Is the huge water change before adding fish necessary?

[PattyCakes81]

I am currently fishless cycling. According to test results the cycle is almost complete. I the cycling stickie it says to do a 90% water change the night before you are adding the fish. Do I do this even if I have plants that are consuming the nitrates?

 

[Slade]

Clean water never hurts, but if your readings are ammonia:0, nitrite:0, and nitrate<20, you should be able to add fish safely.

 

[Sambo7475]

The big water change sets pristine conditions for your first fish. You want the trates to be about 5-10, and most times it's upwards of 40, even with plants. That's why it's suggested to do the big change.

 

[Scottyhorse]

Yep, but you don't need to do a 90%, just like 50-75%.

Even with my plants, the nitrates got to 160 and above a few times... Yikes!

 

[PattyCakes81]

So a big water change it is! Thanks guys for all you're help.