water changing newly cycled tank

[susiejames101]

Hi
After weeks of endless water changing in the 30g new tank ( The first lot of bio spira I think died on route to us so we ended up fishy cycling unfortunately!!) I got some fresh bio spira 10 days ago and the tank stabalised overnight and readings have been
ammonia 0
nitrite 0
nitrate 12
I am now a bit anxious about doing water changes and upsetting the balance again.
The tank contains one 2" congo puffer and a 3" bristlenose pleco.
I feel its about time for a water change now so just wanted more experienced members to give me their views about water changing and filter cleaning etc. I am not sure I can take the stress of losing the stabilty and having to do all those water changes again !!!
( one spare packet of bio spira in the fridge for absolute emergencies )
Thanks for any feedback
Sue

 

[OrionGirl]

Changing water will not impact the bacteria colonies--they are not free floating in the water. You'll need to treat the water for chlorine/chloramine, of course, and match the temp for the puffer. For cleaning the filter media, you'll just want to run it through with clean water to remove any solid wastes. Frequent, regular water changes actually INCREASES the stability of the tank, simply because the water parameters will stay closer to your water source.

 

[carpguy]

Echoing OG's note on water changes. Good for the tank, good for the fish, good for long-term stability.

The bacteria are on stuff: rocks, gravel, filter media. They aren't free floating in the water column. Large scale water changes will not impact your nitrogen-eaters. I try to change 50% every week to 10 days.

I usually scrub out sponges in the water that's coming out of the tank. It's clean enough to remove all of the stuff and its all going to the same place anyway. If you want to use clean water that's fine, but make sure its dechlorinated clean water. Don't use fresh tap on filter sponges as the chlorine/chloramine can take a bite out of your bacteria.