Water changes for a new nano?

[bronck83]

Setup a new 14 Biocube 2 weeks ago with live sand & rock & 2 damsels. I know with smaller tanks I should be doing regular water changes, but how long should I wait until I do my first one since its a new tank?

Reason I ask is I noticed today a sudden growth of some brown stuff on 1 of my rocks, sand & glass. I have no cleaning crew yet & this is the first "growth" i've seen in my tank yet so it's freaking me out kinda. Suggestions?

[KyleV]

No worries. You are experiencing your first algea bloom associated with you tank cycling. Start you water testing.

[bronck83]

I just did here are my numbers:

pH: 8.0
Nitrite: 0
Ammo: 0
Nitrate: 20
Alka: 300
Salinity: 1.022
Temp 77.5

Should I think about adding a cleanup crew soon?

[KyleV]

Yes and it seems based on the numbers you have finished the cycle so a change to get the trates down would be good.

[MissT]

yep, go ahead and do your first water change, then get your clean up crew in there.

[caferacermike]

Double Post.