Quote:
Originally Posted by Bagor
Exact same situation. 
If I may add a few more questions.
Is it true you have to have the thing running for a couple weeks before you can introduce the fish (to allow bacteria to build up) or can you just dump them in?
Do you introduce them in 2s (for the same reason). i.e. add 2, then another 2 a week later and so on
Is there a max/recommended no. of fish per gallon? What happens if they have kids, are you supposed to remove some? |
If it is your first time with a tank you should probably let the water cycle through the filter for a couple days. You can get stuff now like Cycle that helps condition the water faster. Also, be sure to use something like Aqua Plus when you are adding water to the tank, it takes the chlorine out. Like cKy said, go to Pieces and they will set you up with all that stuff. Avoid places like Petsmart and Petland.
As soon as the water is conditioned you can add the fish. Be sure to set the bag in the water to allow the fish to get used to any temperature difference. Open the bag and use the tank lid to keep it floating. Add some tank water to the bag every 5 minutes or so for about 20 minutes, then just take the top of the bag out from under the lid and let the fish find their own way out. That will reduce stress.
I believe the general rule is 1 fish per gallon, but, if you have any fish bigger than say, your pinkie I would do 1 fish for every 3 gallons or so.
You can get little boxes that attach to the side of the tank for babies to protect them. But if you only have mollies in the tank I don't think you have to worry about them being eaten, though, it has been quite a few years since I've kept them so you might want to look online. I wouldn't worry about moving them to a different tank, not until they are adults anyway. I doubt the few extra will be an issue capacity wise.