I guess I'm going to be doing something kinda different in my tank. I just set my tank up 2 weeks ago, but I've been studying this subject for almost a year. My thoughts are, I'm not going to do any water changes if I don't have to. When my tank cycles, and my nitrate is up, and won't go...
My suggestions:
Have a DSB- As previously stated, you need the critters. The critters that live in the sand will do alot of the work for you. Not to mention, they'll help feed your tank. (Yea, DewMan- 3-4 inches is absolutely acceptable.) Read this for more information on DSB's...