water change during cycle start - help amonia levels too high

Question
Hi Chris, I have a new 16 gallon tank for around four weeks now with two oranda goldfish in there. I have changed around 30% of the water on a weekly basis also because the amonia levels are far too high (according to the test kit). I understand that is normal in new tanks and part of the nitrogen cycle but I am very worried about my two fish. I called the aquarium store who told me NOT to do any more water changes for the next four weeks or so until the cycle is complete and to leave it completely alone. But I read on the Web (and your article) to change 25% of the water 2-3 times a week at the beginning. So I am reading different things everywhere. What should I do? Leave it and hope the cycle will find its own way or change water on a regular basis to keep the levels down? Also, everyone always talks about the filter - do I have to clean the actual (electrical) filter part or just the filter pad? And should I even clean the pad whilst the cycle is not complete? My fish seem fine and lively but the amonia levels look scary. Thanks so much for your help.
Isabelle

Answer
Hi Isabelle;

It's a shame that the fish store people don't know how important it is to keep the ammonia level low enough for the fish to survive. Keep making the changes. You can even change 25% every day if it's dangerously high. Don't touch the filter pad unless it is so plugged up that the water isn't flowing very well. Just gently rinse it in a container of tank water to clear it again. Here is my own web page about new tanks and what to expect;

http://www.xanga.com/Expert_Fish_Help

Unfortunately you just have too many fish for the break-in period to finish safely without a lot of water changes. Two goldfish is actually too much for a 16 gallon even after it's fully balanced. Those guys get pretty big and need at least 20 gallons for two. Here is a web page about goldfish and how to keep them healthy;

http://www.firsttankguide.net/goldfish.php

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins