New Cichlid Tank

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
I just set up a 29 gallon cichlid tank 8 days ago and I have a few questions.  I
waited 3 days to put fish in the tank and then added 2 cichlids and 5 days
later added 2 more.  They're baby cichlids so I thought there would be less of
a problem with too high of a ammonia with 4 small fish instead of 2 medium
sized ones.  I just read the ammonia levels and it's at 1.0.  The ph is 7.6.  My
biggest question is when should I do my first water change?  I've heard
conflicting answers about waiting till 3 weeks and do a 20% change. Should I
do a water change so I can add buffer to bring up the ph as well as add some
more conditioner to remove the ammonia??  My fish seems really healthy and
not stressed at all.  I'm feeding them rather lightly and I don't see any leftover
food/waste on the gravel.  I am giving them 1/4 cube of bloodworms once a
week.  Let me know if I'm on the right track...

ANSWER: Hello Eric:  I would do a gravel vacuum/water change tomorrow of about 20%.  Add the new water into the tank and retest the ammonia levels.  Cichlids are great fish and are very hearty... but we need to bring the ammonia level down to zero.  start with really cleaning your gravel and the water change.  What else are you feeding your fish besides the 1/4 cube of bloodworms?   let me know... dave

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Dave,
I'm feeding them tetracichlid mini granules.  I'll do the water change and let you
know how everything goes.  
Eric

ANSWER: Hi Eric:  you may want to try some live tubiflex worms... they are good for the fish and will live a long time in your gravel... they are good for the gravel too... dave

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey Dave,
I did the water change and should have done my math... I only changed 3
gallons of water so that would be only a 10% change.  The ammonia has gone
down to .25 and in a week I'll do the correct change unless it spikes too high
before then.  I buffered the new water and got the ph up to 8.0.  My next
question is how long does it take for the tank to fully cycle where enough
beneficial bacteria is in the filter to remove the ammonia??  And as far as
adding more fish to the tank... when can I do that??
Eric

Answer
Hi Eric:  the tank should cycle in about 7 days... sometimes longer... sometimes shorter depending on a lot of factors.  in about four days if you have time... do another 10 % water change... you can add a few fish in now... but remember that you have BABY cichlids and they may grow as long as ten inches...do you know what kind of cichlids you bought??? dave