When should I do my first water change???

[El Langostino]

I had my water checked earlier this week and the everything was fine Ph: 8.3 nitrite: 0 ammonia: 0 but my nitrates are at 10.

This tank completed its cycle at 5 weeks, and I added three chromis, 4 hermits, and emerald and 5 snails. They have all been in the tank for 1 week and are fine.

Due to the moribund chromis that was their fault, The LFS gave me a new chromis a few days ago when I had my water checked last. The injured chromis that the LFS sold me did just die I believe last night as I can't locate him anywhere.

Anyway, could that decaying fish cause my nitrates to rise higher? He was only about 2 inches. When should I do my first water change and how many gallons should I remove?

 

[bertoni]

I'd just do a couple of 25% changes over the next few days. The decaying fish might be an issue in a new tank. If you can find the remains, removing might be useful.

 

[corals b 4 bills]

I would add some carbon just to be safe.

 

[El Langostino]

It's really frustrating because I've searched the entire tank and it's almost as though the fish just vanished.

 

[bertoni]

Well, it's no big deal, either way.

 

[El Langostino]

I hope I don't have a crash because of some pathetic $5 fish.

 

[bertoni]

Unlikely. I've lost bigger fish in a 29g with no issues, although it was an established system.