"Mellie101" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi, new to the group, so Hello.

Hi Mellie101, welcome to the group.

I am 4 weeks into cycling my 55g. I have minimal readings for ammonia
and nitrites and 20ppm for Nitrates so hoping that I nearing the end of
this process. I have 3 fish in there who are thriving and having the
time of their lives. I have been changing the water twice a week,
doing smallish changes, around 10%. I have been told to take from the
top of the tank so as not to disturb all the helpful bacteria's forming
in the gravel.

Readings sound good. When your nitrites are zero, you're cycled. Taking
water from the top of the tank would be logical if the nitrifying
bacteria were not mostly inside your filter. There is a biofilm of good
bacteria on every surface inside your tank, so this is where the
recommendation comes from (to not disturb the gravel), but it's ok to do
so. Much of the bacteria in the gravel is a type which reproduces very
quickly, so you don't need to worry about it as much as the nitrifying
bacteria which are converting your ammonia and nitrites into nitrates.

So the question is.... After a month, and with the nitrate level high,
should I start hoovering the gravel or wait until the cycle is
completley over? Should I now do a 25% water change as it has only
been small one's for the past month? Should I now change the charcoal
and sponge filters in my filter or again just wait till the cycle is
finished so that I don't disturb everything that needs to be
established?

Hoover any time. Water change as often as you like (typically 20% a
week, adjusted according to fish-load). The charcoal (or carbon) is
typically used for new tanks (removes any manufacturing residue such as
mold release agents on the filter parts), or to remove trace medications.
You can use it regularly, or as the application requires. Sponge filters
are not normally changed. I have some which are just a little younger
than I am, and they are still working fine. Sponges should be regularly
rinsed in a pail of water which came from the tank (so there is no
chlorine or chloramines to worry about). Do not rinse too well. It
should be clean enough for water to flow through without obstruction. If
your filter permits it, install 2 sponges, and alternate which you clean.
If you let us know your filter manufacturer, someone here can advise you.
Note that since most of the good bacteria is in the filter sponge, you
might cause a mini-cycle if you clean it too well. If it is flowing
well, I'd either leave it alone, or just give it a couple of squeezes in
a pail.

Sooo many questions. Don't think that it will be the last either.
Sorry.

: ). No, I expect something else will come up ;~), but we have some
practice at answering questions. )
--
www.NetMax.tk who has been asking questions for 35 years.

Thanks in advance
Mellie