I got a tank all set up for my girls and was going to do a fishless cycle. however, Grandma took them out this morning and they came back w/ 3 mickey mouse platies. So now I have to do a fish-in cycle. I've read a bit about it and want to make sure I'm understanding everything so I can minimize stress etc for the fish. So here's my basic understanding of what I need to do -
1- I need to check the water 2x a day.
2- If ammonia and nitrites are over .25 I need to do a water change
3 - continue on until ammonia and nitrites are 0.
How much of a water change do I do? Do I just wait for those levels to be above .25 or should I just plan on doing a small water change every day? Also, once things are stable how often should I be checking their water?
1- I need to check the water 2x a day.
2- If ammonia and nitrites are over .25 I need to do a water change
3 - continue on until ammonia and nitrites are 0.
How much of a water change do I do? Do I just wait for those levels to be above .25 or should I just plan on doing a small water change every day? Also, once things are stable how often should I be checking their water?