I have never had the luxury of not having to change my water every three days due to overstocking, so now I am not sure how often to change the water!

My params are 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, 10 nitrates and the tank is barebottom and has nothing on it...so when should I change water? I know there are growth factors in the water and such, but not sure how often it needs changing since I have always gone by when my nitrates got too high which was every 3 days or so.

So just wondering what you would recommend...the params in my 20 are fine now too without four fish in there, but I plan to change 30% a week in there because I will need to vaccuum the gravel.

I also wonder how long a cycle can survive with no fish. 24 hours? 48? Just wondering how long I can wait between taking Soda out of the tank and adding new fish.

Thanks!

Hey Jen
I would guess as long as your params are good in the new tank, just do your weekly water change. If you have a bump in the cycle, it may need more for a bit, or that may never happen...but I know you will be checking it, so you'll know what to do.
As for the 20, to keep the cycle with no fish in it, you'll need to keep adding a bit of fish food to it or pure ammonia....but I say What the heck...go on out and get that Moor, girl!

Thanks...so I am thinking 25-30% a week if paramas are good? I am checking the levels every day and so far so good. Now that there aren't way too many fish in the 20 the params have evened out nicely in there too. Yay!

Thanks Ginger!

Sounds good to me Jen!