setting up tank

[jimbo]

i just got a 46 gallon tank and was wondering what i have to do for the break in period to get it ready for fish??? also how long should i do this for???

thanks for any help

[chc]

Get some tough fish to cycle it (Convicts, etc.). It should take four to six weeks to run in the filter.

[cichgirl]

I would get an ammonia, nitrite & nitrate test kits if you don't already have them - when the ammonia and nitrites are at 0ppm, your tank is cycled. When you are cycling your tank with say, convicts or firemouths, make sure that you do a 25% water change weekly to provide the fish with fresh water during ammonia or nitrite spikes (which is normal while a tank cycles). Also make sure you don't overfeed during this time and if you siphon the gravel (may prolong cycling a bit), only siphon a max of 1/3 until the beneficial bacteria establishes itself.. I hope this helps... Good luck!

[Karl]

yes start you tank up. And like chc said i would use convicts and wait about 4weeks. Get all of your test kits also.