Thanks for the responses guys.
Cecil, I did get the minnows from a bait shop but a family friend owns it. I got them within an hour of them being delivered but who knows how they were treated prior. For my fishless cycle I added my bateria and ammonia. Would bring ammonia to 3 ppm and then let it lower to about .2-.3 ppm. Did that cycle twice. I should have done two more but I added the 2 dozen minnows. I am sure it wasn't fully cycled but 24 FHM in almost 200 gallons I didn't think I'd have a problem and I never had a nitrite spike. I have a couple left. I am going to let it warm up a little more and then do another cycling and try again. Hoping these few minnows can help the cycle but I bet I need to add ammonia again. Thanks for the insight! WHere do you recommend picking up just 3-4 dozen FHM if not a bait shop? Would a pet store be a better option?
