Cycling With Fish / Water Change Question?

[Gruffle]

Hi

I'm pretty new to keeping fish (i had an established tank for 18 months at my old house but gave the fish away as I didn't trust myself to move them) and am currently setting up my tank again

I have a 60L tank, with real plants, plus the gravel and filter media from my old tank, when I moved house I let the tank sit in my garage for a few days longer than I meant to so I assumed that all the bacteria would have died and that I would have to cycle the tank again.

Anyway, I have 4 Leopard Danios in the tank, on their 8th day, did an API test this morning which showed nitrite at about 0.5 and nitrates at about 40, so presumably the ammonia level has peaked already (I did a test 2 days ago which showed nitrite at 0) and should be coming down.

My main problem is regarding water changes, while the tank is cycling what water changes should I carry out? I used to do a 10L change every 7 days, which was fine, however presumably doing water changes whilst it is cycling will lengthen the cycling process slightly?

Anyone got any advice about what I should do?

 

[rabbut]

[topic="224306"]This thread[/topic] will explain fish-in cycling to you

Waterchanges will actually speed up the process of cycling, and can make the difference between life and death of the fish, hence they are very important

Don't be afraid of lare waterchanges if your test results warrent such action

All the best
Rabbut

EDIT TO ADD; are you using the liquid or dip strip test kit?

 

[tibby25731]

If I were you I would test the water every day. Any ammonia or nitrite reading, and do a water change, at least 25%. Remember, ANY ammonia or nitrite means your fish are being poisoned! Good luck

 

[tenohfive]

Seconded, test for ammonia and nitrite daily/twice daily and if any shows up, do a big water change until theres none. Don't worry about lengthening or shortening the cycle process, if you allow any ammonia or nitrite to stay in the water for any length of time you're putting your Danio's at risk.