How to do a reef tank water change

[syncro]

Originally Posted by tprowse0804

Am I rushing this first water change? The tank has been setup for 3 weeks. Am I disrupting the natural cycling? Am I rushing this water change?

Water changes are fine.

Soft cycling is where you attempt to keep the life on your live rock alive with frequent water changes:
http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/inde...owtopic=180442

You might be able to speed up your cycle by starting water changes after the ammonia spike (which you are probably past now):
http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/inde...owtopic=202427
http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/inde...c=206500&st=40

Diatoms and algae are likely due to excess nutrients in your system. Three ways to remove excess nutrients: biological filter, skimmer, water changes. Hope that helps.