setting up a new tank...questions...

[MurCurY]

So...I'm setting up the new tank I got later. I wanted to get some fish in there before the tilapia come. I was thinking some goldfish...feeders...cheap and shiny. Is this wise? I figured getting the goldfish in would mature the tank with bacteria so it would be ready to go when the tilapia show up in a few weeks, i have not ordered them yet.

Input?

[keith_r]

do you have any kind of filtration set up? start the water circulating (at least) for a day or two before adding fish, even if they are "cheap" goldfish

[bcotton]

I concur with keith about circulating the system for a couple of days before adding any fish. Personally, I prefer minnows to goldfish as eventually the tilapia will eat them. Goldfish will grow and someday you will have to decide what to do with goldfish that you dont want anymore.

brian

[MurCurY]

Ok will do. Would it be a benefit to use some of the old tank water in the new tank?...like...a jumpstart on bacteria?

[keith_r]

yup! a little used media (swap some new out with some old) from another system will help kickstart it as well