cyclling and water changes

All, just trying to get a handle on all this new stuff, far diff than anything I've delt with for cichlids. Anyway, my tank is set up and cycling right now but as far as water changes ar they anymore difficult than freshwater? I plan using RO water with a Ph buffer then adding it to the tank, I have carib sand and crushed live substrate and don't really know the best way to clean that without my siphon sucking up all the sand, I was thinking of stopping all the filters, stirring it up and using the siphon to remove any large debris. Just let me know what you guys think would be best for water changes and substrate cleaning....thanks again, I'm new but if I can help with anything just let me know....peace!

 

leave the freshwater way of thinking behind you.

ive never siphoned my sand, whatever you do dont stir it up, there is a biological function 7 layers deep that will wipe out your tank.

just mix water with salt for water changes. get it the same salinity and temp, and thats it. i use instant ocean.

 

Don't perform any water changes while the tank is cycling first of all!
As for the substrate, like reef guru mentioned, it isn't adviseable or necessary to stir up or sunction out detritus from your benthic region of the tank.
When you suction the substrate, you are removing a plethora of beneficial microscopic organisms, polychaete worms, crustaceans and other beneficial food sources and bacteria essential to your overall symmetry and tanks success.
By incorporating some sand sifters/aerators such as Conch snails, Sea Stars and Sea Cucumbers you will be able to stir up and aerate the benthic region of your tank. Periodically, it is fine to use your hand or other device to GENTLY stir up the substrate.

 

Do a search on "cleanup crew" and research ALOT. That's one of the main reasons I started SW, if you get everything well balanced, no "major" cleaning by you will be required.

 

+1 on that!

Leave the sand alone.