Quickstart or starter fish for new aquarium?

[dmheric]

Hi All
I have a 60 gallon bare bottom aquarium and am contemplating purchasing 4 nice adult discus. Currently I have 2 fantail goldfish and have had them a couple months cycling the water My question is would it be better to get rid of the goldfish and sterilize everything and use quick start to cycle when I get the discus? I have had no health issues with the goldfish.

[discuspaul]

The only way to do this properly and safely, Denise, is to get rid of the goldfish, sterilize everything, and start the necessary cycle with a fishless approach using store bought ammonia. You could try to use a 'quick start' product that is effective over time but you'll still need an ammonia source to feed the bacteria (other than fish), or obtain a seeded sponge from the your discus source when you get the fish.

[dmheric]

Thanks for the quick advice. I think that would be best.

[Neptune]

Yes, Paul is right on, goldfish can look very healthy and still harbor lots of nasties...

Sterilize and start over. AND I have good luck with Tetra SafeStart, but be sure and look at expiration dates on the bottle. This is true of any of the bacteria quick start products.
If it was me I would:
1. Sterilize
2. Refill tank, start filter add bacteria per instructions
3. Check water parameters and add pure ammonia until you are sure the bacteria has taken hold. Use ammonia in place of fish, the directions say you have to add fish promptly after the bacteria so add some ammonia in place of fish.
4. When your testing proves your tank is cycled with regular additions of ammonia.....Add fish.

[dmheric]

Yes, Paul is right on, goldfish can look very healthy and still harbor lots of nasties...

Sterilize and start over. AND I have good luck with Tetra SafeStart, but be sure and look at expiration dates on the bottle. This is true of any of the bacteria quick start products.
If it was me I would:
1. Sterilize
2. Refill tank, start filter add bacteria per instructions
3. Check water parameters and add pure ammonia until you are sure the bacteria has taken hold. Use ammonia in place of fish, the directions say you have to add fish promptly after the bacteria so add some ammonia in place of fish.
4. When your testing proves your tank is cycled with regular additions of ammonia.....Add fish.
Thanks so much for the added info!!!!!! I really appreciate it!!!!

[Ryan925]

All good info. You will be making a significant investment starting with adult fish so you are best off playing it safe.

Also discus are usually recommended to be kept in groups of 5-6 minimum to cut down on aggression issues

Good luck

[dmheric]

All good info. You will be making a significant investment starting with adult fish so you are best off playing it safe.

Also discus are usually recommended to be kept in groups of 5-6 minimum to cut down on aggression issues

Good luck

Thanks for your input! Now I will probably get 5 instead of 4. Heehee.

[Ryan925]

Thanks for your input! Now I will probably get 5 instead of 4. Heehee.

You'll get the bug. Soon you will want 10 ;)

[Neptune]

I'd put 6 in a 60! :o