Water Changes During Cycle

[KateT]

Can I do regular water changes during my fishless cycle or is it a bad idea?

My tank is basically black now, with all the tannins from the wood - I was hoping to keep diluting it in the hope that it will stop releasing them some time soon! Is that okay, or will it interfere with the cycle?

 

[Warehouse]

As long as the water is treated with a dechlorinator and at roughly the same temperature, there is no good reason why not.

 

[KittyKat]

Shouldn't interfere, but a pH change will stall it by a couple of days potentially.. or longer if pH is *very* different.

 

[The Taffy Apple]

I have had to do 2 W/C's mow during my fishless cycle, both times due to the tannis from my bogwood (which can be taken out and put back in at a later date, i was informed) almost giving off a 'weak tea' colour.

I filled back up using Seachem, same temp (i have found using my digital therm. helps me) and tested for Ammonia about 45 minutes later. Ammonia below 0.5? I dose back upto 4ppm then test again in 12 hours.


I have read numerous replies to threads stating as long as it is redosed back upto whatever ppm stage you were at, it is not a problem. Certainly hasn't affected mine (and the water looks clearer whilst still keeping it's 'Amazon Brown' efffect! )

Regards,
Terry.

 

[KateT]

I changed about 10 - 15%, but it still looks like we've been using it as a toilet! Worth a try!

 

[The Taffy Apple]

I changed about 10 - 15%, but it still looks like we've been using it as a toilet! Worth a try!

I'd probably say one small W/C like that wont do alot, i didn't see any change until it settled after the second (100L). If your parameters are ok even after you re-dose (if you have to) then you can do the same within the next day or two if you have the time. I have just looked back and i done 3 lots of 25% changes in the space of 7 days, which considerably lowered the tan in my water whilst still doing my cycle.

I am hoping for alot of NitrAtes soon as part of my cycle, so a few more may possibly be needed at that point, so you could wait until then?

Regards,
Terry.