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All new fish tanks need to go through an initial cycle. A new tank can be a brand new set up but it can also be when you clean out your tank and start fresh(should never be done). The cycle starts when the first living animal is added. During this cycle the levels of everything(nytrates, amonia, etc) are spiking up and down until they balance out. This usually takes just over 1 month. The more fish you add during this time the higher everything spikes, many times to toxic levels. This is the biggest mistake people make when starting a tank. They fill the tank with fish and end up losing most or all of them. Don't do any water changes during this cycle and afterwards change no more than 30% of the water, don't top off the tank. You will need to remove and replace the water every 1-2 weeks. The only additives you want to add during the first cycle is bacteria starter and a water conditioner. Goldfish need to have a good filter system.
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