Is a water change necessary?

[klongo]

Good evening!
I've read a few times people suggesting that at the end of the initial cycle that a water change should be done - Does this have to be done? and for what purpose? Just curious, I'm not quite done cycling. I'm cycling with cocktail shrimp and plan on adding LR as soon as I'm done - but I want to be sure that the next step is the correct one!
Thanks

 

[klongo]

Thanks - how much of a water change? I'm not going to be able to buy my LR from a LFS, so I had planned on living through a mini-cycle - hoping for less die off - If I do partial changes after putting in the LR - will it help any?

 

[ivanfj]

I would suggest a 5% water change is enough.

 

[reefnoob]

I prolonged my cycle by adding some 'cured' live rock during my first cycle because even this 'cured' rock had some die-off and produced a little amonia. What I did last time and will do from now on, is let it sit in a vat of aerated saltwater for a while and check that water for amonia before putting it in my tank.

 

[beaslbob]

I don't recommend any water changes.

 

[squidd]

I do...

 

[buzz]

Most do (except maybe one person :nope: ). I certainly advise a good water change after the cycle, and regular changes from that point forward.

 

[bang guy]

What Kip said
The PH fluctuations wreak havoc with your water parameters. The best way to get them back in line is with a couple of large water changes (25%).

 

[125intx]

I would listen to Kip and Bang.

 

[tvan]

Next step cure your live rock or your tank will cycle again. A water change will not stablize ph.
Tom