Started an fish-in cycle...

[Chrexis]

So I started an fish-in cycle, how often should I change the water/how much per change without having a water testing kit. It's a 5.5 gallon tank, with a filter and heater keeping it at a steady 80 degrees.

[Mo]

You change the water when the ammonia ever goes over 0 with a 90% water change

[Chrexis]

Originally Posted by Chrexis

So I started an fish-in cycle, how often should I change the water/how much per change without having a water testing kit. It's a 5.5 gallon tank, with a filter and heater keeping it at a steady 80 degrees.

^^

[Mo]

With one adult male Betta you are aiming at one 50%- one 90% water change daily, ideally with a fish in cycle you would want a testing kit. And I would highly recommend hat you get one so you can ensure that ammonia/nitrites don't reach harmful levels

[ZergyMonster]

If it is only a single betta in a 5 gallon, it will take a while for the ammonia to start going up. I do a 50% and 100% for my 3 gallon each week so I say do a 60% and 70% each week and you will be doing alright.

[wystearya]

I'll just second the suggestion that you invest in a good testing kit. Ammonia and nitrite can spike during cycling and there is no way to know without a test kit.

Also, once cycled it is good to check the tank (maybe once a week or so) just to make sure the cycle is stable and that the nitrAtes are not too high.

I wish you the best of luck!

[Chrexis]

I appreciate the information! I will be investing into a good water testing kit, and would also like to apologize if it came off a little douche-ish with the bold large print.

[fishman1126]

im asking if i have a 5 gallon tank, with 2 fish, (filters, heaters ect.) will i still need to change the water? also, how do i test the amonia levels , with just ph paper?

[Bombalurina]

Originally Posted by Chrexis

I appreciate the information! I will be investing into a good water testing kit, and would also like to apologize if it came off a little douche-ish with the bold large print.

For a cycling tank, OFL, whose opinion I respect enormously, suggests two 50% changes per week, using a gravel vacuum for one of them. :) Of course, a test kit is still important. :)

Originally Posted by fishman1126

im asking if i have a 5 gallon tank, with 2 fish, (filters, heaters ect.) will i still need to change the water? also, how do i test the amonia levels , with just ph paper?

Yes. You always need to change the water. I would do one 50% change per week for a 5 gallon with two bettas.

PH strips are inaccurate even testing pH - a drip test is more accurate. They certainly won't test ammonia. You need to buy an actual ammonia test kit if you want to test for ammonia levels. Remember that nitrate and nitrite are important too.

If you can afford it, the API master test kit is the way to go.