Cycling a 55 gallon

Question
Hey Karen:

I bought a 55 gallon tank a couple of weeks ago. I let it sit for about 10 days with an eheim cannister filter, an aquaclear filter/pump for circulation, another eheim tube on the back of the tank to circulate water and bring to the surface, heater, etc. I did a few 30% water changes over the course of those 10 days, water looked great. So to start cycling on saturday (the 22nd of september) I added 4 platies, 2 gouramis, 2 minnows, and 2 guppies. I've got a ton of rock and fake corals so they have lots of place to hide and all seem genuinely happy. They eat like mad, and are pretty active. Most of the day I keep the light off. I've added a few times some AP stress zyme to help the process along, and water conditioner as well of course.

Anyway, should I be changing the water in the tank right now while its cycling? The fish dont look unhappy, but I am concerned they might start to succumb to ammonia and nitrite poisoning as the days wear on. I'm off today to get a water tester, and my immediate plan was to change 25% of the water if my ammonia or nitrite levels are unbearably high. I have heard that its best NOT to change the water during cycling, especially if the fish dont look unhappy or sick (which at this point they dont), and that changing the water could actually end up stressing them even more.
I really love the little guys though and dont want them to get sick or hurt. As I mentioned the tank is 55 gallons.

Cheers for any advice you can offer!

Josh

Answer
Hi Josh,
Sounds like you are doing really good so far with your new aquarium!

I think you've got it down pretty good. All you need to do is to make sure to get test kits for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. ~Began testing your water everyday and whenever your ammonia or nitrites are above safe bounds or your fish look stressed, a 30-50% water change is immediately needed to help keep the fish safe. Water changes during cycling will not "stop" the tank from cycling and it is essential for the fish to be healthy through the cycling stage. Adding stress Zyme is good also as you have been doing. It is also good to have a water conditioner that neutralizes ammonia such as Amquel+ or Prime or Aquasafe, using these water conditioners is just an extra safety measure for your fish during the potentially dangerous time when your aquarium is still cycling.

Just keep an eye on everybody, remember water changes are not bad and they can save fishes lives. You are doing excellent so far and I hope everything continues to go well for you and your fish!

Best of luck and I hope this helps!
Karen~