Cycling a new tank

[jman]

Just to make sure I am doing this correct. I have been doing a 20% water change every 2 weeks. Is this the correct amount and the correct time frame? I have a 40 gal tank.
Thanks

 

[rich nyc]

I dont think there is any steady and fast rule. I do a 10% weekly but that sounds good

 

[jman]

Ok thanks just making sure. The last tank I had was a 14 gal tank. Just didn't know if there was a difference since its bigger now.

 

[RobZilla04]

You should be testing (nitrates & phosphates). As you get down the line, if you have corals, you'll need to monitor consumption of calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium. Water changes serve the purpose to replenish the nutrients C, Alk, & MG (along with many trace elements) and reduce nuisance nutrients nitrates, phosphates, and silica which contribute to algae growth.

As mentioned already there is no hard rule on how often water changes should be performed. Some folks do them weekly while other have systems which haven't had a water change performed in over a year. It all boils down to nutrient control and replenishment. Hence why testing is a MUST.

 

[jman]

Thanks Will do