how to often to do a water change while cycling

martian123

its been a while since i have cycled a tank and i'm not sure how often to do a water change. my new 26 gallon has been running a week now and i know it is cycling because i have had nitrite readings of 0.5 that have come and gone. I have 6 fish in it right now and nothing has died or looked sick. i haven't done a water change yet ut i am planning on doing one tonight. if you dont want me to do one tonight than please tell me when i should do one and how much water. also tell me how often i should be doing one until my tank is cycled and how much water.

thank you

Byron

You are ready for a water change which should be done every week normally. During cycling (or any other time for that matter) if either ammonia or nitrite read above zero, a 50% water change should be done immediately. Sometimes every day depending upon readings. Cycling varies from tank to tank for many reasons.

martian123

so i should do a 50% water change tonite?????

AbbeysDad

+1 You should do water changes weekly even when cycling. The amount of the change is a topic of some debate. Byron has indirectly convinced me that 50% is better.
You also need to be on the lookout during cycling for a potential ammonia spike and be prepared to do a water change if necessary.

martian123

Thank you!!!!!!!