Beginning Water Changes?

[jkan0228]

So when you set up a new tank, why is it that you need to change the water 2-3x a week? Since wouldn't building up the ammonia level be better for the growing bacteria?

[Hoppy]

If you are using ADA Aquasoil Amazonia substrate, you need to do lots of water changes in the beginning because that substrate will leach ammonia into the water for a few weeks. With any other substrate I don't know why you would do that many water changes. I never have.

[jkan0228]

But wouldn't the bacteria need the ammonia to multiply more? And by doing a fish less cycle, would I just need to add pure ammonia to the water? Any brands that I could use?