Jackie Frost

If you exchange the water 20 - 50% every day, would that prolong the cycling process? I have to perform a water change daily because I have a goldfish and unfortunately learned about the Nitrogen process too late. But isn't it true you remove the 'healthy' bacteria long with the bad when you do a water change?

Shawnie

yes it does prolong the cycle process but it saves the fishies lives and their high exposure to ammonia/nitrites

Lucy

Good question.
There's not much bacteria in the water, that's not what prolongs the cycle.
The bacteria grows on surfaces like the filter media, substrate and decorations.
Removing the ammonia that feeds the bacteria prolongs the cycle but we do that for the sake of our fish's health.

Shawnie!