Cycling question

[kane65]

When cycling a new aquarium, how often should water be changed? I know many advocate fishless cycling but I keep feeder goldfish on hand for my Gar so I used some of those to cycle a 55 g. The bacteria bloom just started yesterday so I don't know if I should change water or wait for the bloom to clear. Thanks.

(It's going to be a cichlid tank. Using cichlid gravel, Penguin 330 biowheel & a power head to agitate water at the opposite end.)

 

[loganj]

You'll need to test for ammonia and nitrite. I would change some water when ammonia levels reach 1.5 or when nitrite gets over about .5. This may lengthen the time needed to complete the cycle, but I don't think it will make much difference. Also, if you notice the fish looking stressed, do an immediate water change.

 

[Menagerie]

What types of cichlids are you planning on adding to the tank? Have you already added the cichlid gravel? What is your pH?