is it time for 10% water change

[johnnymac]

That's me had my tank up and running for a week now
PH 7.8
Nitrite 5.0
Nitrate20
Ammonia0.50
Is it time for a 10% water change or do you let the tank cycle first before a water change?

 

[BradsOcean]

Definitely let it cycle!!!

 

[zoomfish1]

No water changes for a while yet. Let the cycle finish, IMO. You will extend it with water changes. I know there a varied opinions on this subject, but I would wait on the water changes.

Spend the time you would spend on the water change at the pub! Down a pint for me.

 

[Aliie]

Enjoy this time of no water change while you can. If you don't have any occupants then let 'er run!!

 

[johnnymac]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9591908#post9591908 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zoomfish1


Spend the time you would spend on the water change at the pub! Down a pint for me.

Thanks for that everyone.The only thing I have in the tank is my LR/LS. I would be in the pub zoomfish1 but working 2 early

 

[bertoni]

I would do some water changes, to try to limit the damage to the live rock, but the ammonia is low enough that it might not matter much. I'd probably opt for 20%.

 

[Aliie]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9592213#post9592213 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bertoni
I would do some water changes, to try to limit the damage to the live rock, but the ammonia is low enough that it might not matter much. I'd probably opt for 20%.

Since you are a guy in the know I'll go for it and ask.....why?

 

[rafa316]

Nice rock work

 

[bertoni]

Ammonia is toxic to animals, so I prefer to keep it under control as much as possible. Also, with decay going on in the tank, there could also be other toxins going into the water column.

 

[papagimp]

Personally, I'd let it finish cycling. If you have obvious hitchikers that came in on the live rock, and you wanted to keep em alive, I MAY go ahead and do a water change, otherwise, just let it do it's thing. As long as you are patient and make sure the tank parameters are optimal before you start sticking corals and fish in there, you'll be just fine.

 

[Aliie]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9592797#post9592797 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bertoni
Ammonia is toxic to animals, so I prefer to keep it under control as much as possible. Also, with decay going on in the tank, there could also be other toxins going into the water column.

Just so I have it straight............even with a tank that only has LR in it, you are saying there is decay going on in it?

What toxins are present in the tank with nothing in it?

 

[bertoni]

Live rock should contain animals and other organisms, and often many of them die in transit. They decay, and the decay of the proteins will produce ammonia. Many animals produce toxins that can be released upon death and decay. Some sea cucmbers are fairly notorious for this. Sponges are fairly common on live rock as well. Nudibranchs are another possibility, along with many others.

 

[Myrphie]

My typical MO for new tanks is to ride out the cycle until the ammonia and nitrite have both peaked then drop back to zero. I agree with bertoni that there is almost always going to be unpleasant die-off in a tank with liverock. I tend to wait and do a 20%-30% water change after the tank has reached equilibrium but before adding any livestock. That being said, you can lose microfauna if you let things get too nasty during a cycle.

 

[Aliie]

Thanks you for your indepth explaination Bertoni. I understand your reasoning now. I cheated with both of my tanks and wasn't aware of this factor. I bought LR that was in LFS tank. I would think that they would have this problem not a new tank. The transit from LFS to new tanks don't seem to be enough to cause any death and decay to me. I do defer to you and your experience though. Thanks again for the replies.

 

[johnnymac]

Thank you all for the help. I think i will do a 10% to help out the critters that are in the tank.