I got a new 8 gallon (around 30 liters) fish tank on December 31st. And the same evening I put a 4 inch (10 cm) oranda and a 2 inch (5 cm) black moor in it. I totally forgot about cycling the tank. I even tried to return the fish back but they say they can't take the fish back.
Since yesterday, I've been searching the web for all similar issues and from there I learned that I need to do a weekly 10-15% water change to keep my ammonia levels in check, also I couldn't find a test kit anywhere nearby so I'm just observing the fish.
Tank Specifications
Volume: 8 gallons (around 30 liters)
Filter: 600 liters per hour
Filter media: 1 cm thick plastic sponge
Substrate: Medium size gravel (2.5 inch / 6.4 cm thick layer at the bottom)
Decorations: 3 plastic plants at one corner
Thermometer: submersible
Heater: not needed as my room temp is around 20 °C mostly
Lighting: built-in hood lights
Ammonia, nitrate, nitite: unknown
Black moor's behaviour:
The moor is sitting at the bottom every 5 minutes for about a minute or so and again starts moving again normally, searching for food.
Oranda's behaviour:
Oranda is behaving rather normally, but it's also tanking a break for a little while but with shorter durations.
Both of them get active at the feeding time (which looks normal) and are eating well. But, I know that they are having a hard time staying in there. I just want to know how long will my tank tank to cycle this way and if I need to do some other things.
Thanks.