Water changes and Nitrates?

[yamahaguy06]

HI all, I have a quick question. what hapens if you dont do a couple of water changes? like you miss some and just slack off? can this lead to nitrate problems wich there4 coul lead to algea problems? I heard from my LFS that you should change 25% of your water a month. does this sound right? *PEACE!*

 

[1979camaro]

25% a month sounds ok provided you are skimming

 

[yamahaguy06]

no skimming Camaro? is this a prob. you do mean with a protien skimmer right.

and sometimes I do less because i get lazy, is this bad. *PEACE!*

 

[1979camaro]

yah with a skimmer. i personally believe skimmers are very important, other people might disagree. as far as less than 25% a month, it could be a problem and it might not, it really depends on your tank and feeding habits, etc

 

[S.Reef]

25% is a good number to shoot for. Like Camaro said it depends if your skimming. Also it depends on the bioload. I do a 10% water change on my 90 every other day and a large one every month. I also skim.

 

[yamahaguy06]

10% every other day!!! isn't that a lot? your ph doesn't drop or anything.
Y so much??