When to do first water change on new tank?

[Feclar]

Hi,

Wondering when I should do the first water change on a new tank?

12g Aquapod

Amonia and nitrate have both gone up then down

Would 5g be excessive for first change?

[kau_cinta_ku]

5 gal. will be fine then stick to 2-3 gal. every week.

[acrodave]

you dont want to do a water change till the ammonia and nitrate are gone

[kau_cinta_ku]

Originally posted by acrodave
you dont want to do a water change till the ammonia and nitrate are gone

may I ask why?

[acrodave]

if its on a new tank and you did water change it will never be able to go through a cycle

[kau_cinta_ku]

how do you figure? most of the bacteria is mainly on the rocks and sand and not free floating.

[old salty]

I waited until 6 weeks before beginning the water change routine on the upgraded tank. Water changes are 10% each week.