Cycled tanks-Water changes?

[karna68]

Okay, now that my tanks are cycled I should be doing weekly water changes correct? My nitrates are a little low at 5 so I’m thinking I need to only do 20%. Unless by some chance I get ammonia and nitrites then I would do a bigger w/c. I’m anticipating this because I will be getting more fish soon. Lastly I would need to gravel vac weekly as well right?

 

[corykid]

I do weekly water changes at bought 25%, and ya when i am changing the water i clean the gravel, wit the vac

When adding more fish add slowly and u will probley not have any problems

 

[CaptnDan]

Yes, sounds good, yes.

Yes, you should be fine with 20-25% a week, I personally prefer to do more, like closer to 40%, but if your Nitrates stay low, it should be no problem.

The more you change the lower your Nitrates will stay, and the cleaner the water, the better. I use Nitrates as my gauge as to how much to change. If they're approaching 10, I want to drop to 5 or below on water change day.

I vacuum 1/2 of the gravel every water change, alternating weekly. This has always worked well for me.

You might see a mini-cycle when you add fish, but nothing drastic.