[Sander]

You put your tank in a mini cycle, the rocks and gravel never need to be "washed" just a good through vacuuming with a syphon and use a sponge brush for you decorations and glass to get any excess algae off. And for your filter, when ever you want to change your filter, (not sure what type you have) if its a hang on the back filter, float the new pad in your tank for a couple weeks, to help the bacteria to start to grow. Your filter pads can last a while, all you really need to do is swish it (old/established filter) around in the bucket with the old water from you PWC you may brush the excess sludge off but never rinse it tap water, just a good swish in you water and you'll be good to go. The only time I change my filter pads is after a few PWC and swishes, the water continues to come out of the intake tube compartment. Just remember to do a PWC (partial water change) about 20-30% every 2 weeks with a good vacuuming of the gravel and you'll be as good as gold! Happy Fish Having!