Is my tank cycled yet?
Before fish can live safely, your filter has to grow bacteria that turn toxic ammonia into nitrite, then nitrite into far-safer nitrate. That takes weeks, not days. Tell us how you're cycling and how long you've been at it, and we'll show the three stages and estimate where you are - then confirm it with a test kit.
Test, don't guess. A cycle is only truly done when both ammonia AND nitrite read zero on a test kit and nitrate is present. These day ranges are a typical map, not a promise - your tank may run faster or slower.
A guide, not a guarantee. Cycling usually takes 4-6 weeks and depends on temperature, the bacteria you started with and how much ammonia you feed the filter. Never add full stock before the cycle finishes - a fishless cycle is kinder than cycling with fish, because no animal has to sit in ammonia and nitrite while the bacteria catch up. Watch your test kit, not just the calendar.
Kit for a home aquarium
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