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So I am in the 5th week of cycling my 20 gal tank. The readings of the water is just where it should be and I have three mollies and two ottos in the tank. I have some algee growing on some of the rocks and plants but they dont seem to be effecting the water at all. Since adding my fish (two weeks ago) I havent done a water change. I am wondering should I do a quick water change or do I need to leave it until fully cycled?

Where are the readings at? I think that would be helpful information so we can help ya

-Josh

I am surprised your ottos are making it. They aren't the best fish for cycling a tank and should usually be added way after the tank is fully cycled.

Please tell us your readings. That will help us to know if you should do a water change or not. Usually you don't want to do a water change in a cycling tank, unless the parameters are high.

*Kristin*

So here are my water perameters (I checked this morning)
pH: 7
ammonia:0
Nitrites:.5
Nitrates: 20.0

BTW: my ottos are doing quite well. They just munch on the algae on the rocks and plants.

I would do a water change and add some bacteria like Cycle or Bio-spira, there should be no nitrites if the tank is fully cycled, it the nitrites are on the way down then a water change will still be ok. The fish are all good? Don't touch the filter, it is important for biological filtering as well. 25% should be fine, then do 25% each week, gravel vac one-quarter to half the tank if it is planted. Only clean the filter on a monthly basis, rinse the gunk off in some tank water or dechlorinated water and remember to only change one part of the media at a time.

"If you're afraid you'll make a mistake, you won't make anything."
-Family Circus

If the fish dont look stressed then dont do a water change. Doing one now would delay the end of the cycling process.
If fish are looking red around the gills, lethargic, gasping at the top of the tank or anything else that is not normal behavior then I would do a small change to give them some relief. Judging by your test results your cycle is nearly complete. Keep monitoring closely and feed the sparingly.

Good luck.


PS luvmykrib, the tank is cycling. Look at the subject line of the thread.

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Before you criticize someone walk a mile in their shoes. That way you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

So sorry, I thought the tank was at the end of the cycle when it is ok to do water changes. My bad, going away now!

"If you're afraid you'll make a mistake, you won't make anything."
-Family Circus

Alrighty... So I think I will wait until the cycle is complete then I will start my regular cleaning.