Should I be doing water changes while I an cycling my tanks?

W

WARZ18

AC Members
Feb 18, 2013
24
0
0
I have 4 tanks starting. I am using White Clouds as cycling fish. I have finally had a small ammonia spike. The highest it got so far was .5 ppm. I have been adding Prime every other day per Seachem staff until the tank is cycled. When the Ammonia level rises I add a dose of Prime also per the staff. Fish seem to be doing Fine. No Nitrites yet. Im hoping soon. Patience is the key in cycling. I get that. Most people. Probably 90 % say dont do water changes until cycled if you dont have to. If ammonia gets above 1.0 ppm think about it, but the Prime should keep the ammonia toxicty in Check. I have been adding water to the tanks as needed from evaporation and so forth. That is actually probably keeping ammonia in check also. Had a bacteria bloom a few days ago. That cleared nicely on its own. Just waiting on Nitrites after ammonia spike. We will see how it goes. Any tips?

Larry
 
I always fishless cycle. Therefore, I don't do waterchanges until the cycle is complete...to reduce nitrates. A little salt may help the fish with the pending nitrite spike. Probably not needed, however since your dosing with prime. Imo, 25-50% wc/week couldn't hurt anything depending on water temp. add feeding.
 
And to add, what really matters is that you don't do any filter cleanings during your cycle. And, properly thereafter.
 
Im fairly new to the hobby but most people would say dont cycle with fish and just do a fishless cycle. Ive always done a fish in cycle but i check my my parameters everyday and do water changes according to my readings. Id personally say if the ammonia gets to .5ppm or higher then do a 10%-20% water change just to keeps the fish healthy and less stressed. Im no expert but personally id do a 20% water change with Prime and monitor your parameters. Play it safe

Sent from my SGH-T989 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
I've always used fish to cycle my tanks and I've always done water changes while cycling. I also never use chemicals. I prefer to seed a new tank with filter media from an existing tank so the bacteria establishes themselves quickly and are able to handle a load.

Sent from my DROIDX using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
I would do water changes. You haven't mentioned other parameters, but cycling can reduce the buffers in the water rapidly, resulting in shifting water chemistry that can stress fish--already stressed by ammonia levels. Not great for the fish. If you can, add some floating plants--even if it's just anachris, or guppy grass--this will help introduce beneficial bacteria as well as ammonia levels.
 
Of course Seachem is going to tell you to just keep doing high doses of Prime to "lock-up" the ammonia and nitrites. That way they can sell you more Prime (BTW, Prime is an excellent product. Most of us, myself included uses it).

Any time you see ammonia or nitrites in a tank with fish, you should do water changes. Water changes aren't going to effect the cycle at all.

FWIW, even when doing fishless cycling by adding ammonia, I had to do water changes to get nitrites down to where it's just off the chart high. Too high gives you a false low reading with an API master test kit. Not only that, when my nitrites were crazy high, the cycle would stall and just sit there. Do a water change and nitrites would start converting to nitrates. Weird, but that's how it worked for me.

*EDIT* White clouds should be a cold-water fish (no heaters used). The nitrogen cycle works best @ around 86degF. I'd use zebra danios or the likes and crank up the heat if you want to continue with a fish-in cycle.
 
Last edited:
I have about 10 tanks and have cycled 2 new tanks recently. If you have an existing tank, you can always put the filter on it to cycle that filter. It will give you an instant cycle on a new tank. Seeding was also mentioned, and works well and shortens the time frame of cycling. Even if you have a friend that have a tank. You can use some of their bio matter to seed the tank. To cycle with none of the above I use Prime as mentioned to help BETWEEN water changes, but daily water changes are imperative if you do not want to lose any fish. I always cycle with fish, but I do test the water EVERY day and change up to 50% of the water. The more water changes you do the happier your fish will be. I always say that a fish living in an aquarium is paramount to you living in an outhouse with no ventilation and a roommate of a smoker. The more fresh air you let in.... the happier the occupants will be.
 
0 Nitrites O nitrates yet. ph 7.6 GH 7 KH 10 drops so Im guessing about 175 ppm. Hope that helps
 
pH is a non-issue. As long as it's constant, fish will acclimate to what you've got.

You don't have any cycle happening unless you have started seeing increased nitrates.

Like said, you should do water changes anytime you see ammonia or nitrites in a tank with fish.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom