Should vacumn my gravel (3 week old tank)

[jadaBlu]

I am reading all this talk about cycling while I don't completely understand the whole process I am gathering letting some good bacteria grow is a good thing. I always used to do 100% changes on a 10 gallon tank I have scrubbing everthing down and rinsing my grave. I have had my 5 gallon tank since February 14th. I am changing the water 50% once a week. I am putting in filters today. There will only be fake plants. I had one live one in each tank they did not do well. So until I get better at this I am giving up on that. Anyway should I vacumn tonight or when should I do it.
I don't feed my fish very much 3-5 pellets a day. They are small and one has already had swim bladder issues.

[Otterfun]

Originally Posted by jadaBlu

I am reading all this talk about cycling while I don't completely understand the whole process I am gathering letting some good bacteria grow is a good thing. I always used to do 100% changes on a 10 gallon tank I have scrubbing everthing down and rinsing my grave. I have had my 5 gallon tank since February 14th. I am changing the water 50% once a week. I am putting in filters today. There will only be fake plants. I had one live one in each tank they did not do well. So until I get better at this I am giving up on that. Anyway should I vacumn tonight or when should I do it.
I don't feed my fish very much 3-5 pellets a day. They are small and one has already had swim bladder issues.

yes. did you do a water test?

[jadaBlu]

I've tested for PH and ammonia which are fine. I don't have any other kits I could not find anything for nitrates locally.

[Otterfun]

i think 1 50% and 1 100% each week is the recommended schedule, check the sticky.