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So I'm starting to cycle my tank today and got to thinking, how often am I supposed to test my water? (Daily, weekly) Also after the tank is established, am I to be testing for anything else when I do water changes Oh ya and my filter maintenence says to rince the inserts weekly and replace them monthly (but not all at the same time) Is there any special precautions I should no about since I'm just beginning to cycle? Thanks to all that can help me out, and anyone that reads this too

Mia,

If you are cycling the tank without using fish or an additive, I would test the tank weekly. You will be looking for ammonia, then nitrite readings. If you are using an additive such as Bio Spira, I would add a fish or two depending on your aquarium size and test daily.

I see that you will have a 75G aquarium. I would use a couple of barbs and an additive to jump start your aquarium. The barbs will provide ammonia to keep feed your cycle. I would delay adding your cory school until the tank is completely cycled.

After your nitrites for to zero, you can slowly build the number of fish. Basically, don't add that cory school of 8 in one day. As you stock, continue your daily readings if you are trying to continually add fish. If not, test once each week.

You can use the "Log" feature under the "Interactive" heading on this site to record your readings. Track ammonia, nitrites and nitrates at a minimum.

Your posts did not indicate the type of filter that you will have on the tank. If you will have a HOB (Hang On Back) filter, weekly maintenance works well.

I also see that you will be doing a planted tank. I recommend planting your tank before slowly filling it. It is much easier to work with the plants without dealing with the water!

__________
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Mia

Are you new to fish keeping?
Regardless of that I would get the water tested every 3-4 days until youb are 100% sure it is all correct. Also get your LFS to do a water test for you as well before you buy any fish.

As far as testing after that I actually dont own a test kit. I get the LFS to do it when I think about it. I can hear the the screams all the way across the Pacific Ocean. Lets put it down to 35+ years of experience.

For a beginner I strongly suggest you get it done regually and always before you buy any more additions to the tank or some things just styart going wrong deaths etc.

Keith

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When I was cycling for the first time I tested my water daily, I'm a bit of a dork like that..I like to watch a process happen. Once the tank compleated the cycle I'm much more lax about testing. However I do have tests on hand so that they can be preformed first if something seems wrong in the tank.

RE: Rinsing the filter inserts.
I run Aqua Clear HOB filters with just the foam blocks. Two blocks per filter, rinsing one in used tank water and alternating each water change. I've yet to replace them since they just don't wear out. I don't run carbon in my tanks 1. because they are planted 2. I dont' feel a need...however each water supply is different. You'll have to look into carbon and decide for yourself based on your own knowledge of your local water supply. Carbon is what causes an insert to need a monthly change, however even ones that are designed to be all in one type deals can be cut open and have the carbon replaced by itself. If you were to replace the entire cartridge (that's what I did with my one tetratec filter when I first started ) you end up losing a lot of your bacterial filtration.

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