Water Changes

[Striker2807]

Can someone just tell me quick why you should do water changes and how many times a month you should do it. Thanks.

 

[JNevaril]

here's the quick gross answer...


water changes are to fish tanks as flushing is to toilets.



depending on the size and stock level of your tank, you should do a few gallons a week.

 

[NoDeltaH2O]

water changes are necessary to reduce nitrate levels first and foremost.

If you have sufficient plant growth, you can reduce your water change schedule by a little, or by a lot, or completely to zero, as I did.

 

[rohnds]

For the 45gal tank in your signature, I would change about 10gal every fortnight.

Rohn

 

[bighit22]

i only have some moss in on of my tanks. But none the less, I do about a quarter every other weekend.

 

[Striker2807]

Thanks guys and Delta don't you mean nitrite levels not nitrate?

 

[Seleya]

Nope, he means nitrate. Plants will use the nitrates for food -- nitrites are converted to nitrates thanks to the beneficial bacteria.

 

[noncentric]

I think the general suggestion is to change 10-15% every week...but planted tanks need larger water changes (around 25-35%) every week. The planted tanks don't need the larger changes because of nitrates, but because changing the water replenishes trace nutrients - nutrients in tap water that the plants use for food.

Personally, I change about 30% every 10 days or so (planted tanks).

YMMV