Cleaning Surfaces after Cycling

[WKJR]

Hi! I’m new to the hobby and recently started a 20 gal planted tank that is almost completely cycled (ammonia and nitrite at 0 with some nitrates) I was wondering if/when I am supposed to clean surfaces (tank/filter/decorations/substrate) of algae before introducing fish to the aquarium. Concerned about killing all of the good bacteria that has been built up. Any advice/suggestions would be great

[Scapexghost]

I would leave the algae. Algae is good for a tank. If it is an eyesore i would pick up an algae eater, like a bristlenose pleco or a nerite snail.

[Guppysnail]

When I start a new tank I don’t clean it before adding fish other than making certain I can see through the front glass.  After fish addition I do not clean filters until the flow visibly slows then do 1 st cleaning of squeezing sponge or rinsing 1 item of media lightly.if you are using the cartridge inserts look at this video.  2-3 pieces of sponge instead of cartridges give you more stability than throwing away cartridges and costs less. It also allows you to squeeze 1 piece at a time.  From there I clean 1 glass pane the following week if it is bad and move to the next the week after.  I never even in established tank clean or rinse more than 1 thing a week and I rarely have instabilities.  I hope that helps.