Water change during first cycle?

[bangbangkhan]

Hey everyone, I have looked online and this forum but can't find a definitive answer. Some say change water even during the cycle and some say not to. :frustrat:

Questions is...should I do a water change on my water tank? It's only a week old and is in the process of cycling.

If I should then is the 10% ok?

Cheers

 

[Ted]

I wouldnt...and never have when setting up a tank. When the cycle is finished that when I start. When you do water changes 10% weekly is good or 20% bi weekly.

 

[bangbangkhan]

Thanks as always...

My lfs person just told me that the live rock he sold me was uncured...that wouldn't be a problem right? It will fix it self in a months time?

 

[Ted]

You will get a bigger cycle, no big deal. The main difference between cured and uncured is some die off. You will see a bigger ammonia spike. Here is a link for some info on curing it. Its not a big deal. Basically it will cure as the tank cycles. How to Cure Live Rock

 

[bangbangkhan]

It's been a week now and the ammonia is still 0...can't wait for the cycle to start..I even added the table shrimp for 1-2 days....

 

[Ted]

Odd, have you tested the nitrite and nitrate?

 

[bangbangkhan]

Just tested nitrite and ammonia both are zero....going to check nitrate now.

Ph is around 8.2

 

[bangbangkhan]

So nitrate is around 10-15 ppm and 15 dkh

 

[salt_for_brains]

It would seem you might have missed your ammonia spike. If it were me I would do a water change since your nitrate is a little elevated.

 

[bangbangkhan]

It would seem you might have missed your ammonia spike. If it were me I would do a water change since your nitrate is a little elevated.

Does the spike go away in a day or two? Just so you know My ammonia after 48 hours was also 0.

 

[salt_for_brains]

I read that you have been in the cycle process for a week. You could have missed a small ammonia and nitrite spike. Now it seems you have nitrates. Did you have any live rock in the tank or was it all uncured rock?

 

[bangbangkhan]

Well I bhought the live rock from three places...altogether 25 lbs and 20 lb live sand and 20 lb regular sand. One place where I got 10 lbs from claimed tooday that it live but uncured...confusing...

 

[Ted]

I am thinking your cycle is already finished...You must have gotten some decent rock from the other places or the "uncured" rock really wasnt so "uncured" Either way I would do a water change and get some clean up crew.

 

[salt_for_brains]

Like Ted, I think you are ready for a water change b/c you are at the end of the cycle. Be sure to take out that shrimp too. :mrgreen:

 

[bangbangkhan]

Wow that was a super fast cycle! I will do a change of 10% and wait another week before adding a clean up crew...what do u think will be sufficient for a 30 gallon tank? Actual water is probably 25 gallon after the rock n sand displacement..

 

[bangbangkhan]

Well this is what it looks like after a week...still need to add a proper light but I ain't adding corals until 3 months down the road..

 

[Ted]

Sometime they just go fast, I agree take it slow. Are you seeing any diatoms or algae in the tanks at all?

 

[bangbangkhan]

Sometime they just go fast, I agree take it slow. Are you seeing any diatoms or algae in the tanks at all?

Not really its pretty clean....I mean gonna get the water tested at the LFS just to be sure tomorrow. Then do a water change...

 

[salt_for_brains]

Cycles happen at different speeds in different tanks. Taking it slow is a major benefit in this hobby.

 

[salt_for_brains]

By the way I know how patience can be tested staring at white rocks in a tank full of water!:D