Tank finally cycled. Now what?

[Vbwjjeep]

So as it says the tank has cycled and I want peoples opinions on the water changes. Ammonia and nitrites both at zero but nitrates are at 80. Should I do 2 30% water changes or go for one big one. Any thoughts will help. First fish are just going to be 2 clowns. It is a 125 gallon tank. Thank you all. I'm leaning towards 2 smaller water changes over the next couple days. And what nitrate level can the clowns handle. They are hardy but is 20-40 too much for them? Thank you all in advanced.

 

[RobZilla04]

Two water changes will not be as effective as one large one. If you don't have a skimmer going yet, get one. The sooner the better. I'd suggest a big water change, wait a few days and test again. Based on results you may need to do another change or wait a few more days and test again. At that point you can evaluate adding fish.

This is a go slow hobby. Rushing will only cause problems.

 

[mcgyvr]

Doesn't really matter that much at this point if you do one big or many smaller right in a row,etc.... you need to change as much as possible to get nitrates down to the level you want to maintain..

Fish can "tolerate" fairly high levels of nitrates.. Many have had them in 100+ppm levels and they have survived..

I personally would attempt to maintain low nutrient levels (low nitrate, low phosphate) to avoid algae issues and I'm pretty sure all your tank inhabitants will enjoy that and be better off..

So personally I wouldn't stop doing water changes until I got nitrates below 10.. and I would attempt to maintain them there or lower..
But I'm sure 20-40 is "acceptable" too for fish anyways

 

[Vbwjjeep]

Doesn't really matter that much at this point if you do one big or many smaller right in a row,etc.... you need to change as much as possible to get nitrates down to the level you want to maintain..

Fish can "tolerate" fairly high levels of nitrates.. Many have had them in 100+ppm levels and they have survived..

I personally would attempt to maintain low nutrient levels (low nitrate, low phosphate) to avoid algae issues and I'm pretty sure all your tank inhabitants will enjoy that and be better off..

So personally I wouldn't stop doing water changes until I got nitrates below 10.. and I would attempt to maintain them there or lower..
But I'm sure 20-40 is "acceptable" too for fish anyways

Yea I'm sure they will tolerate it but water changes will continue at a higher rate even with the fish in there until they are in the less than 10 range. But that will take some time. Probably weekly 10 percent changes until it's down to that range. The skimmer is running and pulling any excess out to keep them from getting higher. I think I will do the largest change possible which I can do with the buckets I have. Which is 45 gallons so roughly 35 percent. Then wait 24 hours recheck the water then do another 35 percent if needed which most likely it will need to be done

 

[RobZilla04]

Yea I'm sure they will tolerate it but water changes will continue at a higher rate even with the fish in there until they are in the less than 10 range. But that will take some time. Probably weekly 10 percent changes until it's down to that range. The skimmer is running and pulling any excess out to keep them from getting higher. I think I will do the largest change possible which I can do with the buckets I have. Which is 45 gallons so roughly 35 percent. Then wait 24 hours recheck the water then do another 35 percent if needed which most likely it will need to be done

That sounds like a good plan.

 

[mcgyvr]

The skimmer is running and pulling any excess out to keep them from getting higher.

Let me know how that works out for you..
:frog:

 

[reefling]

Insert that Lil Wayne .gif where he makes it rain

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Vbwjjeep]

Did the 75 gallon water change and nitrates are at about 20ppm it looks like. Right on that area of should I do another before adding the clowns or will they be fine and do weekly water changes until the levels are better and add more fish in. And I meant it more for the skimmer is going to help with the nitrates not getting any higher it's not going to lower them

 

[mcgyvr]

You should be fine now.. Just continue to test and adjust as needed...
Most recommend starting with a 20% every 2 weeks and go from there..

 

[Vbwjjeep]

I got the water change done and just got done acclimating the new fish to the tank and my clowns are officially in. As well as 2 dozen hermits and a dozen snails. I officially have a saltwater tank!