When to do first partial water change?

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Niv

Aquarium Advice Newbie
Joined
Jun 1, 2013
Messages
7
Hi guys. New member and fish keeper and looking forward to many happy fishy years!

I did a bit of reading around and settled on a lido 120 tank. I have now had my setup running a little over two weeks. First 10 days it just contained plants and the past week I have introduced 6 platies. Water was tested before adding fish and was deemed of acceptable quality.

What I am looking to find out now is when is a good time to do my first 10% water change? I was going to go ahead and do this tomorrow but thought I would ask you good people first.

Thanks, Niv
 
Since your doing a Fish-In cycle, be prepared to do lots of 25-50% water changes.

If you haven't already, get yourself a liquid testing kit. They're more expensive than the paper strips, but also more accurate.
You'll need to test the water at least once a day. If you're ammonia and/or nitrite readings are above .25ppm, then do a PWC large enough to get it below .25ppm. For example, if ammonia reads .50ppm, then you'll need to change out approximately 60% of the water. Just remember that the longer you're fish are exposed to readings above .25ppm the more likely they are to get sick and/or die.

Be patient. This process can take 4-6 weeks... And that's if you DON'T have problems that cause it to stall. Good luck.
 
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