Are 2 Mollies Enough To Cycle A Tank?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Yes they may survive the cycle but it's more cruel & expensive that way .

Are 2 mollies enough?

No, you can't keep just two . Mollies are shoaling fish, which means they seek safety and comfort in numbers. Even though keeping a pair of mollies is better than keeping only a single molly, it's not enough. Mollies are more comfortable when they live in a larger group of at least three or four fish.

How many fish should I use to cycle tank?

The larger your aquarium, the more fish you can include in a fish-in cycle. Rule of thumb: One fish for every 10 gallons of water . So, if your tank is 1 gallon, only 1 fish. If your tank is 58 gallons, 5 fish.

Will adding fish help cycle tank?

You can significantly speed up the aquarium cycling process by adding beneficial bacteria from the onset . If you already own several aquariums (or have a friend that does), simply transfer some used filter media or substrate from an established fish tank to your new one.

Can you cycle a saltwater tank with mollies?

When I started out with salt water in the eighties; I always used black mollies to cycle my SW tanks . They can be acclimated to 34 ppt and they produce ammonia and are easy to catch at the end of the cycle. You can give them back to the pet store. They even sometimes produce live young in our tanks.

Can you use mollies to cycle a saltwater tank?

Yes, Mollies can survive in full strength saltwater . Livebearers are not the best choice for cycling an aquarium however because they are very sensitive to Ammonia and Nitrite, much more so then other fish.

Can you keep 2 mollies together?

Mollies tend to stick together most of the time, which is why you should keep them in groups of 4 or more . If you are planning to keep more than 4 mollies, make sure you get a 20-gallon tank at least. A 45- gallon tank should be a perfect choice if you plan to manage multiple shoals of mollies.

Can I have just one molly fish?

Is it OK to keep one by herself? Yes, a single Molly Fish can live alone as long as she has all that she needs: clean water, good food, and enough space to swim and play in . Please don't forget though, that she will be happier with tank mates—whether fellow Mollies or other compatible fish.

Can you keep 2 male mollies?

More than one molly can be kept in a tank together , however, they have been known to nip the fins of others in their tank. It is recommended that only one male molly be kept in a tank since males will fight with each other to establish a dominant alpha fish.

Can a fish tank cycle in 2 weeks?

So yes you can have little to no cycle at all . I waited 2 weeks to add a clean up crew. And another two weeks to add my Clowns.

What fish are best to cycle a tank?

In the first few weeks of having your aquarium, you should add plants into the environment and ‘good cycling fish' such as most types of minnows, guppies, barbs and danios . They will be able to survive the high toxins for long enough to allow the beneficial waste-processing bacteria to grow.

How do I know if my tank is cycled?

During the fish tank cycling process, you should regularly test the water in your fish tank for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. When the tests started to show 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, and some nitrate then you can conclude that your fish tank is cycled.

What happens if you put fish in an Uncycled tank?

An uncycled tank can be dangerous and even lethal for your fish, as ammonia will quickly harm and kill any fish living in even small concentrations . The Cycle is what happens in your filter. Filters can be internal, external (canister), hang on back (HOB) or even an extra tank called a ‘sump'.

How do I cycle my fish tank in one day?

How can I speed up my cycling tank?

  1. Focus on the basics. Keep the pH above 7. Don't turn off your filters. Don't forget the dechlorinator. Watch the heating.
  2. Rob an old tank. Use a cycled filter. Season your filter. Add gravel. Buy some plants.
  3. Use bacteria in a bottle.

Can mollies live in reef tank?

Mollies can be adapted to living in saltwater aquariums ! Mollies naturally live in brackish waters where rivers and oceans meet. Sailfin Mollies can be easily transitioned to saltwater from freshwater by a slow, drip acclimation of a period of at least 3-4 hours.

Are black mollies reef safe?

And yes, they are reef safe . They do need to be slowly acclimated to full strength seawater though.

What is the lifespan of molly fish?

The average molly fish lifespan is around three to five years . While they aren't the longest-living freshwater species out there, there is some wiggle room depending on what species you get.

Do mollies eat algae in reef tank?

It's astounding how much work mollies do in a saltwater aquarium, eating a variety of undesirable algaes – especially biofilms that lead to algae growth – before they grow out of control .

Are black mollies freshwater or saltwater?

While Mollies are commonly found in saltwater you're almost never going to see them already acclimated to it in an aquarium store. So you are going to have to acclimate them to marine conditions yourself! There's actually a healthy debate on the best process because Mollies adapt to saltwater very well.

What algae eaters can live with mollies?

  • Twig Catfish.
  • Otocinclus Catfish.
  • Bristlenose Plecos.
  • Siamese Flying Fox.
  • Siamese Algae Eater.
  • Chinese Algae Eater.
  • Whiptail Catfish.
  • Malaysian Trumpet Snail.

How many mollies Can I put in a 5 gallon tank?

A 5 gallon tank can easily handle a group of about 5 male mollies . The tank setup you need for mollies the essentially the same as for the other fish in this article.

How many mollies Can I put in a 10 gallon tank?

You can put three mollies in a 10-gallon tank. As a general rule, an inch of fish requires one gallon of water. In captivity, mollies usually grow to be 3–4.5 inches long, so each fish will need around three gallons of water to swim freely.

How many mollies Can I put in a 20 gallon tank?

Common Molly (Poecilia sphenops) Care level Easy Temperature 72-78°F How many mollies can you keep in a 20-gallon tank? 4-6

Are balloon mollies schooling fish?

Mollies are peaceful fish that co-exist well with most other species, including snails and invertebrates. Ideally, you should keep a group of Balloon Mollies, as these are social, schooling fish . The shoal should contain mainly females, as male fish will harass females.

Are black mollies schooling fish?

Mollies are a peaceful fish species that gets on well with other fish. However, there are some triggers that cause molly fish to become aggressive, including aggressive tank mates and a crowded tank. As sociable schooling fish , mollies prefer to be housed in groups of four or more.

Do molly fish need companion?

Some species that make good Molly fish tank mates are Dwarf Cichlids, Rams, Discus, Keyhole Cichlids, and Severums . They need at least a 20-gallon tank for the smaller species and up to 55 gallons for the species that can grow 8 inches or more!

Jasmine Sibley
Author
Jasmine Sibley
Jasmine is a DIY enthusiast with a passion for crafting and design. She has written several blog posts on crafting and has been featured in various DIY websites. Jasmine's expertise in sewing, knitting, and woodworking will help you create beautiful and unique projects.