What is new tank syndrome?

'New Tank Syndrome' is a term used to describe problems that occur due to the build-up of invisible, toxic compounds in an aquarium. It gets its name as the issue is most likely to occur when your filter is maturing when starting a new aquarium.

How long does new tank syndrome last?

This process normally takes anywhere from 2-6 weeks.

What are the symptoms of new tank syndrome?

Symptoms. New tank syndrome leads to ammonia toxicity in the fish, which can quickly become fatal. Fish will often die suddenly, without warning. The aquarium water is frequently cloudy and smelly due to the excessive ammonia and nitrite levels.

How do fish fix new tank syndrome?

How do you reverse new tank syndrome?

If the ammonia starts to get anywhere around 1ppm then change some water. Likewise, aim to keep the nitrite level low, under 1.5ppm if you can. These levels will eventually go altogether once the bacteria start to do their thing, but they'll need to be diluted down with water changes if they start to creep up.

Fish Facts - New Tank Syndrome

Does new tank syndrome go away?

Only after some time, enough nitrite converting filter bacteria have formed, allowing nitrite immediately being converted into nitrate from now on. The new tank syndrome is thus over, and the nitrite amount goes down, so the nitrogen cycle can run regularly now.

How do you know when your tank is cycled?

After testing your aquarium water for ammonia and nitrite and nitrate, if the reading shows 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and some nitrates then your fish tank is cycled. Cycling a new tank usually takes between four to six weeks.

How long does it take fish to adjust to new tank?

A smooth transition is the ultimate way to acclimate the fish to its new home. Most people will tell you that it takes about 15 minutes for fish to acclimate to an aquarium. While this is partially true, it takes at least an hour for a new fish to adjust entirely to a new environment.

How long does it take a new tank to cycle?

Normally, it takes 4 to 6 weeks for the growth of beneficial bacteria to complete the nitrogen cycle in a new aquarium. It is not unusual for seeded aquariums to fully cycle in half the time it would normally take, thus allowing you to stock more fish in the new tank sooner.

What happens if you put fish in tank too early?

New Tank Syndrome happens when there aren't enough of that bacteria. This usually happens because you added fish to your aquarium before the bacteria had a chance to grow. That's why you should rather start your nitrogen cycle before adding fish.

How long does it take for bacterial bloom to go away?

Bacteria Bloom (cloudy water) will occur 2 to 4 days after fish are added to the tank. The cloudiness, caused by initial bacteria growth, is not harmful to tank inhabitants, and will clear on its own. Have patience! If your water does not clear after 10 days, consult with your Aquarium Adventure Fish Specialist.

Can you add too much beneficial bacteria to a tank?

You can't add too much good bacteria to a fish tank. The beneficial bacteria will feed on the amount of ammonia available for it. If there are more bacteria than food, the extra bacteria will die or become dormant. A more common problem is not having enough nitrifying bacteria.

How long can fish live with high nitrates?

Eventually, fish death will begin, occurring over a period of a few days to a few weeks. When fish are suddenly exposed to very high nitrate levels, they will usually die within 24 hours of exposure. Often owners are not aware of the problem until the fish are dead or near death.

Does algae mean my tank is cycled?

At some point in the process, you'll notice the beginnings of life in your sterile tank, in the form of an algae bloom. This is a sign that the cycle is nearing completion – there are enough nitrates in the tank to support algae.

Is cloudy water normal in a new fish tank?

After starting a new aquarium, it is not uncommon for the aquarium to become cloudy. This is due to beneficial, nitrogen converting bacteria colonizing to oxidize ammonia and nitrites. This bacteria bloom can also occur in an established aquarium if there is a sudden increase in nutrients.

Should I do water changes while cycling my tank?

While not essential, we recommend water changes during cycling, although opinions differ. Since bacteria live on surfaces, removing water does not disrupt their development. Water changes can help control the amount of ammonia in the first stage of the aquarium's life.

Can a tank cycle in a week?

You don't have to choose one method over the other. In fact, many aquarists say that combining pre-cycled filter with bacteria in a bottle is the quickest way to cycle your aquarium. And, they might be right. Using this method, I have frequently seen tanks cycle in less than a week.

Can I add fish after 24 hours?

After purchasing your new aquarium, make sure to set it up, add water, substrate and plants and allow it to settle for at least 24 - 48 hours before adding fish. Once you've got your aquarium set up, you'll be ready to choose which fish will populate your tank.

How do you tell if a fish is stressed?

Strange Swimming: When fish are stressed, they often develop odd swimming patterns. If your fish is swimming frantically without going anywhere, crashing at the bottom of his tank, rubbing himself on gravel or rocks, or locking his fins at his side, he may be experiencing significant stress.

Should you feed fish after acclimation?

There is no rule to feeding new fish straight after acclimation, but the fish will tell you. Some fish will be out swimming immediately, while others may go and hide. A small feed to test their appetite will show if they are ready to accept food. If not, wait 24 hours and try again.

What are some signs of ammonia stress in a tank?

How often should I do water changes during cycling?

Aim to do 10-25% water changes every 2-3 days. Any more, and you'll risk removing the ammonia and nitrite that beneficial bacteria needs to feed on. Make sure you add de-chlorinator to the water. Adding chlorine/chloramines will kill the bacteria and ruin the cycling process.

How long will ammonia spike last?

The ammonia level in your tank will spike, reaching levels above 1ppm, then it will turn into nitrite and finally nitrate. Again, this process usually takes several weeks.