Water change ???

[skimpy]

Hi guys - need some advice

I am just about to start the 5th week on my tank cycling (with fish) (yes i know that mistake!). Well, since last saturday my water has stabilized at PH 7.8 - 8, Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, and (for 3 days Nitrate 10). My lfs is willing to let me have 5 guppies to add to my lonely one if all stays OK between now and Saturday.

My question is. I have changed my white filter each week but have not as yet cleaned any of my blue filters. I have been told to clean 50% blue at 4-6 weeks. Should I do this before i get new fish on Saturday, after I get new fish or should I wait until closer to the 6 week mark and let the new fish settle in a little.

Oh yes! and assuming I do not need to do a water change because of any spiking problems when should I do a general maintenance water change and should that be 10% or 25%.??

Any advice much appreciated

 

[Rudy2860]

Nice to see that your LFS will only sell to you if everything is fine!!!

I would say wait until the fish have settled, as to ensure you dont compremise the bacterial cultures in your filter. But really i dont think it will make much difference if you are to rinse the filter media in tank water as opposed to "raw" tap water. You also want to make sure the waste in your filter doesnt decompose and cause a spike in nitrates but again the small time frame shouldnt really have a huge impact as long as regular tank maintenance is done (ie water changes and substrate vaccuming)

As for the water changing question, i would suggest a 25% change as it wont really comprimise your bacterial cultures. Most of the beneficial bacteria is residing in your filter media so you shouldnt have a problem with a 25% change at all. Keep in mind you want to keep those nitrates down to >20ppm.

Do water changes weekly if there are no signs of spiking.

I hope i got most of the questions answered!

 

[skimpy]

Thanks Rudy

 

[Phantom Thief]

Umm...

Just a little here. Large water changes, up to 50%, are ok, as long as there is a source of food for the bacteria.

Filters must be rinsed in tank water, tap water will kill off all of the beneficial bacteria.

Also, i would recommend adding less than 5 fish at one time, i would go for 3.

One more thing, if there is a spike, then water changes SHOULD be done to reduce the effect since there will be fish in there already.

P.T.

 

[skimpy]

Thanks P.T.

 

[rob280783]

I notice you say you are changing the white filter. If you are completely removing the filter sponges, I don't think this is a good idea. All the beneficial bacteria grow on these so it is best just to rinse them in aquarium water as rudy says.

Good Luck!

 

[skimpy]

Hi Rob

I hear what you are saying and understand. Perhaps I should have explained my filters more clearly.

I have a Jewel Rekord tank and it is set up with the following filters:

1 Blue fine filters on bottom,
2 Blue course filters above that
These filters are where the bacteria live and i am told should be rinsed out in tank water on maintenance - every 6 - 12 weeks (50% at a time)

Above that is the black charcoal filter - needs renewing every 4-6 weeks

Finally one white filter ontop
This is a thin mechanical filter purely for removing large particles of dirt and excess food. This is the filter I renew each week.

It took me a while to get my head round it all, but I think I have understood it correctly.