I've been having problems with my ph so that's why I've been testing everything just to make sure that isn't crashing and that's the cause of a ph of 6.2 sometimes. I've been using a new conditioner (it helps detoxify nitrites without ruining my cycle) and that has now changed my ph above 6.8 which I've heard is better for the bacteria to get established. I've also used a bit of media from other tank so I got told that would speed it up (hopefully). It's been cycling now for nearly 3 weeks as it started fishless so I'm hoping I'm nearing the end! I didn't know about water changes and feeding I normally feed mine the morning of a change including my other tanks so will stop that of it causes problems. I must have been lucky before so thanks for the heads up. I also got told not to touch the sand often so I have only been cleaning the sand every 4 days or so. Do you think I should clean it every water change now? I really want this tank to be cycled. I was tempted to put them in with my blackmoor the other day but I don't want him getting sick so I haven't yet. I haven't had them all that long so don't want to chance it yet.