[kevilknc]

Hi, I've been lurking for about a week now, this is my first post. I recently obtained a ten gallon tank and its been cycling for about 3 days now with 2 zebra danios and 3 marble mollies. I've read a lot about cycling on this and other sites, but I still have a few questions about the process.

Since I am cycling with fish, I need to keep the ammonia level low, right? From what I've read, this is accomplished by frequent water changes, about 20% every 3 days. Just wondering if this info is accurate. I did a 15% water change this morning, so I want to make sure I'm on the right track here as I am new at this hobby

Also, and totally unrelated, when can I get an algae eater/bottom feeder? Does the tank need to be fully cycled before I can get one?

Thanks in advance

 

[kevilknc]

Thanks for the reply. I have one other question that has been nagging me. Once the cycle has been completed and all that remains are nitrates, how do you get rid of those? I have read that live plants work well, but is that the best option besides changing the water every so often? and if changing the water is the best option, how often and how much should be changed?