Water changes for a newly cycled tank

[assad319]

Hi all

My new tank I now cycled and I introduced a clean up crew this morning.

I just wanted to know when I should start looking at water changes, even if only for small amounts? Would this be only needed once the tank is more fully stocked, when testing shows any abnormal results or to help control algae?

Any input will be appreciated.

 

[P-Dub]

Hi all

My new tank I now cycled and I introduced a clean up crew this morning.

I just wanted to know when I should start looking at water changes, even if only for small amounts? Would this be only needed once the tank is more fully stocked, when testing shows any abnormal results or to help control algae?

Any input will be appreciated.

As a rule of thumb, I would get into a routine now of regular water changes at once a week. Due to the relatively low stock present at this stage, you could start with lower volume changes and ramp up as testing indicates the need. This will help with controlling possible nuisance outbreaks as well. Remember, and this can't be repeated often enough, slow and steady wins this race.

 

[assad319]

As a rule of thumb, I would get into a routine now of regular water changes at once a week. Due to the relatively low stock present at this stage, you could start with lower volume changes and ramp up as testing indicates the need. This will help with controlling possible nuisance outbreaks as well. Remember, And this can't be repeated often enough, slow and steady wins this race.

How much water should I be looking at changing to begin with? 10% on a weekly basis?

 

[Bender]

Great information above. Good habits should be developed early, and patience is key! Stock slowly, and watch your tank - your livestock can indicate issues.

 

[P-Dub]

How much water should I be looking at changing to begin with? 10% on a weekly basis?

I would start at 5% and ramp up as the need arises. Sometimes testing or circumstances will dictate occasional larger volume changes. 10% per week is a good maintenance schedule once you have the tank stocked. There is no hard and fast rule here. Your tank stocking and filtration will ultimately tell you how much to change and when. Each tank is different with different needs. Once you figure it out based on your individual setup, stick with it. Problems arise when we start to get lazy.

 

[assad319]

Being new to the hobby I do intend to take things nice a slowly as that will be the best way to ensure I get off to a good start.

Thanks for the advice above I will water change as suggested and keep an eye of things.

 

[Triple.T]

My tank finished cycling about 2.5 weeks ago. Being new to.the hobby myself , I found myself doing about 15% these last 2 weeks. None of my 9 inhabitants have died and everyone seems happy and always moving around . FWIW I have a 26g Bowfront.

 

[lapin]

I would also look at some testing kits.
Alk, Nitrate, Phosphate, Calcium, Magneisum are the big 5.
The information they give you can be helpful

 

[assad319]

I would also look at some testing kits.
Alk, Nitrate, Phosphate, Calcium, Magneisum are the big 5.
The information they give you can be helpful

Yep I have all these kits already. Obviously I have been using the Nitrate tester during the cycling but should I now start using all the others before the first fish are introduced.

Also, I added about 5 crabs and a mixture of 15 or so snails. I had a lot of algae mid cycle but turned off the lights so no more appeared. Do I need to worry about there not being enough 'food' for the clean up crew to work with or should they be ok? Lights are obviously running now.

 

[lapin]

It would be nice to get familiar with the kits. Testing once a week is prob over kill right now. A good base line reading would be nice to have so each month you can monitor changes that happen.
If the crabs do not find food they will eat your snails. You might want to feed the tank a few pellets here and there.