Finally Finished Cycled !!!

[dadandr]

Ok, my tank finally finished a fish cycle at about 6 weeks Yay! (I know... fairly typical time, but always seems longer due to all those PWC's ). I did not lose any fish. I have mainly guppies, two axelrods, 2 tetras, and one algae eater in a 20 gallon tank. My ammonia and nitrites are at 0 PPM, my nitrates are at 10 PPM, and my pH is 7.0. My question is, how often does everyone do a PWC change after their cycle finishes? I had planned on doing a 10-15% once a week just so I can vacuum any leftover food or waste out. Is this typical, or are there any other recommendations out there?

 

[rich311k]

25% a week should be more than adequate.

 

[YuccaPatrol]

I do 50% PWC every 4-5 days. Part of it is because I know that cleaner water is better for my fish and part of it is that I like doing the maintenance.

Most people seem to say that 25% per week is good enough, especially if your aquarium is not heavily stocked. I say do it based on your water conditions. My aquariums reach 10ppm nitrate in 4 days so that is when I like to do a change.

 

[Zagz]

I also do 50% every 5 days. Mainly due to my overstocking my tanks to some extent. Some of my tanks house very messy fish, ie: goldfish so I do water changes more often. I agree that you will decide what is best for your fish based on your parameters and stocking.

 

[bman]

That a pretty light bio-load. 25% weekly should be adequate. If you have live plants though, you may have to increase the percentage to 50% weekly. That is basically what I do, religiously every Sunday.

I also have a 20 gallon tank, but is moderately planted.

Congrats on making it through the longest six weeks of your life (to me that time took forever!) and without any flushes!