Mert16

Well It has been 10 weeks and my tank has finally cycled. Ammonia 0, nitrites 0, and nitrates were 10. I did a 20% water change. I'm so excited because I kept getting mini cycles with the product Cycle. Once I did away with it and did daily water changes it took off in just three weeks. My question now is, What should the schedule be like? I was used to daily water changes. Should I do them weekly or bi weekly? Syphon Bi weekly or monthly? or does it depend on the water? I don't want the water to get out of sorts. because it will be hard to get it in order again. Please give me a schedule to keep. Thanks all!

roxanne

most of us vaccum our gravel with a syphon and do 25% water changes weekly. to keep our nitrates down. this will not harm your good bacteria as most of it is in your filter media.

Mert16

Oh ok, I thought the syphoning was done monthly, but yeah makes sense not to let it get too dirty. Thanks

Mert16

Now that the tank has cycled I have noticed a big change in my fish. When the mini cycles were going on, and the ammonia levels were high, they would not be active. I was getting discouraged, but I kept on.The nitrites turned to nitrates so fast, and in that time my fish started swimming alot and they eat in frenzies now. It has certainly paid off to wait. I have three lemon tetras and they were not active especially with the light on. Most said because they were not in a group of 6 or more. but now that hasn't seemed to matter. They are just all over. I am so excited and pleased that the tank has finally cycled. My tank is not boring to watch anymore, but very relaxing.

susitna-flower

With the stocking you currently have in that tank I would suggest testing your water every few days, and change 25-50% any time nitrates get up over 10....IF you let it go too high, your fish will start to get stressed again......Good Luck...

Mert16

thanks, will do.

COBettaCouple

I clean our tanks once a week and do a 25-40% water change with the cleaning.