How soon should the 1st water change be?

[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.

[KyleV]

I would let it completely cycle then do a good change.

[Texreefer]

nothin to worry about , but i would start to add a good cleanup crew soon

[bronck83]

In a Biocube 14, what & how many would you think makeup a good cleanup crew?

[crossxfire2]

Hmm, maybe some hardy hermits? You don't want anything very delicate in a new aquarium.... maybe something like this, or similar.

http://liveaquaria.com/product/prod_...cfm?pCatId=620

[crossxfire2]

Oh, and I would do a water change after it cycles, which means after the ammonia and nitrite drop from a high reading, and nitrate levels rise.

[caferacermike]

Heck you added damsels on the first day. I'd start doing 2g water changes right now, and every week from here on out. You missed the chance to let the tank cycle properly, now you need to take care of it. Most would not add fish for about 4-6 weeks. That way all of the bacteria will be in place to accept the fishes waste.

[bronck83]

I just added a cleanup crew and they are having a feast!