Cycling With Fish Questions

G'day everyone. I recently acquired a 90 litre AquaOne AquaStyle 620 Aquarium and have begun the cycling process with fish. I have a very basic understanding of the process including the nitrogen cycle, and am currently expecting an 8 week cycle before introducing more fish.

My main question is regarding the frequency of the regular water changes. I have heard that it is acceptable to perform water changes every couple of days from some sources, but others state it is better to do daily small water changes whilst cycling. I would be very grateful for any advice and information that could be provided.

Today is the third day since the process begun, and so far 1 water change was performed. The tank contains 4 Harlequin Rasboras and 6 Zebra Danios.

Thank you.

 

How often you do water changes and how big those water changes are depends on what the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate are.

 

Don't know what you are using for a fish in cycle, but here is what I suggest.
If you can get your hands on some Seachem Prime and a big bottle of Tetra Safe Start Plus (TSS+).
Don't touch or mess with your filter.
Do a 90% water change...this will be like starting from scratch.
Add the Seachem Prime, and wait a full 24 hours.
After the 24 hours are up, add the whole bottle of TSS+...yes the whole bottle...and make sure that you shake the TSS+ for at least 5 minutes before you use it. Some people like to pour it directly into the filter, some people pour it directly into the tank...your choice.
Now for the really really hard part: for the next two weeks you don't do anything but feed your fish. No water changes, no water testing, no topping the water off when it evaporates. Just relax, watch, and observe your fish.
It takes two full weeks for the TSS+ to do its majic. Some people say to change and test the water after 7 days, and you should be cycled...DO NOT DO THIS!!!!! it takes two full weeks for the TSS+ to work.
After the two weeks is up, do a 50% water change, and test the water. You should be cycled.
Once you are cycled, there really is no need for anymore bacteria additive. The Prime should be used after every water change. When using Prime, always put in for the full volume of the tank, not the amount of water you removed.

 

I totally agree with Bottomdweller. Your test results should tell you how frequently to change your water. I changed my water too much in the beginning and ended up with a 4 month cycling process. Your ammonia needs to be under 1, hopefully between .25-.5. You don't want to aI'm for 0, as the bacteria need food to grow. Eventually I had to let my ammonia creep up to .5-.75 just to get the process going better. The first week or two you may only need to change your water once per week but again, it will depend on your test results.

Edit: as stated above, if using TSS the water changes are different. I changed my water after a week and it didn't work for me.

 

Thank you for the advice. I will look into all these suggestions. By the way, is it better to get a water testing kit for yourself, or to trust the results by testing the water at my LFS?

 

If you can afford to, it's definitely worthwhile to get your own testing kit especially when cycling.

 

Ok, will see about doing that as soon as possible...
Going to do the second 10% water change today.

 

Ok, will see about doing that as soon as possible...
Going to do the second 10% water change today.

Cycling without a test kit is like driving blind, you could easily kill the fish.
I bought an API master test kit. It's a bit pricey but last a long time, more cost effective than the strips.

 

I agree with getting an API freshwater master test kit. Initially they cost more than strips but they last a lot longer so can be more cost effective in the long run. They are much more accurate than strips and more convenient than taking water to your LFS daily.

 

Thank you for the advice. I will look into all these suggestions. By the way, is it better to get a water testing kit for yourself, or to trust the results by testing the water at my LFS?

Your LFS will most likely use the results to try and sell you "stuff". They may scare you in to purchasing "stuff" instead of a test kit to begin with.
Also 10% water change is almost useless (especially without a test kit)
Good luck