Water Change?? + Leveling??

[eskimo44]

I have been cycling my tank for about 3 weeks, and i think i am supose to do a water change. How often should i do water changes? Also, do i just syphon water out and add plain RO water, or do i have to mix salt witht he new RO water? my salinity is 1.024. If i want to raise my salinity can i just add salt during my cycle? Last question, Are there any techniques used to level your substate? I was thinking of using a ruler.

 

[jasonk]

I wouldn't do a water change until after your cycle is complete. when your amonia and nitrites are at 0 then do a water change. when doing a water change you must add salt to the water, but when you're just topping off the tank, add plain ro water. are you planning on keeping corals? cause if you aren't i think you're pretty good with where your salinity is right now. if you do want to raise it a little, then yes, when doing a water change, just make the salinity of that a little higher.

 

[mbrands]

Originally posted by jasonk
when doing a water change you must add salt to the water, but when you're just topping off the tank, add plain ro water.
This is correct, but just to clarify . . . you must pre-mix your salt and RO water to be used for the water change in another container (likely a bucket). It is recommended to allow them to mix in a bucket with a powerhead and heater for at least 24 hours prior to the water change.
You can only add salt directly to the tank the very first time you are filling it up. After that, salt should never be added directly to the tank.