How many times should I be changing the water while my tank is cycling?

Comments

1. catx says:

   November 21, 2011 at 12:46 pm

   Are you cycling with fish or without? Fishless cycling doesn’t need water changes at all. While fish-in cycles need small partial water changes every other day or so in an effort to keep the fish alive through the process. Around 15% or so.
2. Brent says:

   November 21, 2011 at 1:18 pm

   quarter water once a week
   it ryhmes
   easier that way
3. Kylie Anne says:

   November 21, 2011 at 2:07 pm

   I agree with cat, I’d say about 10%-15%ish everyday- every other day. however, I’d also suggest investing in a test kit for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate so you’ll better know when to do water changes and when the tank is done cycling. good luck.
4. Ianab says:

   November 21, 2011 at 2:07 pm

   There is no fixed rule for water changes.

   If you dont have a test kit then you should do some extra water changes. It may slow down the cycling by lowering the ammonia level in the water, but it will keep the fish alive.

   It’s a balancing act, between getting enough ammonia in the water to start the cycle, but too much and the fish will get sick. If you aren’t sure, go with more fresh water and keep your fish safe. The tank will still cycle in time.

   Ian
5. roeman says:

   November 21, 2011 at 2:14 pm

   wait until the cycle process is over when ammonia reaches zero and nitrites are zero the cycle is over. Then start your tank with inhabitants and your water changes come after that!
6. mwm0788 says:

   November 21, 2011 at 2:23 pm

   you can cycle a tank with any fish you want with a bit of knowledge..

   3 zebras in a ten gallon is almost fully stocked as is due to there greedy eating nature.

   in a ten gallon with those high bio-load fish i would change no more than 20% every 2 days for the first week and every 3 days for the second and once a week from there on.

   the biggest thing is no more than 20% as large water changes in aten can cause a mini cyle to occur.

   this phenomenon really only happens in smaller tanks..

   good luck
7. Alyssa says:

   November 21, 2011 at 2:40 pm

   I also have a ten gallon tank and I have been told that changing 10-15% of your water at least weekly will keep them very healthy. If there are no fish in the tank yet, then you don’t have to change the water yet