When To Begin Water Changes

[danmitch]

Hi - Just starting a tropical aquarium (my first since about 10+ years) and have a question.

Tank is approx 90ltrs / 20 UK Gallons, gravel base, Eheim Aquaball filter / pump, heater (28 deg C), planted and lit.

Tank was filled and set up on 21st, I introduced 3 Platies on 25th and am monitoring levels, Ammonia today .5ppm and Nitrite .5ppm. I do not intend to introduce any further fish until tank has cycled.

My question is when do I start doing partial water changes - would it be sensible to do say 15% this weekend or should I wait until Ammonia levels increase slightly before commencing weekly changes?

Many thanks.

 

[Ethos]

I'd do small water changes everyother day for the first 2 months, then once the tank is really stableized, you can move to once a week.
But yes, I would do water changes in the beggining.

 

[danmitch]

I'd do small water changes everyother day for the first 2 months, then once the tank is really stableized, you can move to once a week.
But yes, I would do water changes in the beggining.

Thanks for the advice Ethos - did a 15% water change on Sunday - Ammonia now dropped slightly today to 0.25ppm; Nitrite has climbed to 2ppm, will do a further small change tomorrow but hopefully things are now starting to establish.

Dan