Water Change - When to do

[something'sfishy]

My tank is currently cycling. It's two weeks old. When should I do a water change? I've got the following:
Ammonia = 0.25
Nitrate =0.00
Nitrite = 0.00
PH.84
wet/dry filter
skimmer
2 fish and some inverts

 

[mbrands]

Don't do a change until the tank has cycled or you will increase the cycling time.
I did a 20% change after my cycle was complete, waited 48 hours, then retested my water. At that point you can slowly start adding some cleaners.

 

[something'sfishy]

When do I know if a tank has cycled completely? If the levels are all zero?

 

[dskidmore]

You're aiming for:
Ammonia = 0.00
Nitrite = 0.00
Nitrate =elevated
The water change will then bring the Nitrate down and you'll be ready for your first cleaners.

 

[dmc888]

Everything should be at zero except your nitrates.

 

[snipe]

nitrates should be 20ppm or lower for inverts I have heard as high as 50ppm or lower for fish only.

 

[bigarn]

What test kit are you using? Red Sea is known for giving 0.25 ammonia readings, when it's actually 0.

 

[something'sfishy]

I'm using Saltwater Master Test Kit. Is this realiable? For Reef Tanks, should Nitrate be as high as 20ppm?

 

[snipe]

20ppm is considered the safe limit line it isnt desirable most ppl try and keep it as low as possible but 20ppm is where it starts getting bad.

 

[rubberduck]

definatly wait till the end of the cycle to do your water changes. and i would do a large water change when you do.