Water Changes

[Cichlid_Lover]

Ok, here is a strange question. Everyone knows the importance of water changes. My fish tanks lose water due to evaporation regularly. I probably have to restock about 10% in each tank per week. Isn't this just as good as doing a partial water change, or should I also do a regular water change? It seems to me that it's just double dipping.

If anyone has thought about this or knows a good reply, please let me know. It's bugged me for awhile.

 

[geKo]

No.

You need to do your regular weekly water change as well. This is a very common question and my answer will also be the most common and best for your tank!

Btw where you live in kentucky? I live in louisville

 

[Cichlid_Lover]

Ashland.

 

[geKo]

hum.. Dunno where that is!

Down in south east ky?

 

[Cichlid_Lover]

northeast. It's on the ohio and west virginia border. Small town (20,000)

 

[geoff]

Only pure water evaporates, which leaves all of the contaminates in the tank. This in fact concentrates them in the water. You have the same amount of contaminates with a smaller volume of water, so yes, it is important to go ahead and do a water change to remove some of the contaminates.

 

[Cichlid_Lover]

That's a point I never thought of. Great point. Thanks

 

[RedTurquoise]

Yes! Geoff is right! You still need to reduce nitrates and that is only done thru water changes. Also, hardness does not evaporate meaning that you hardness would increase if you would only 'top up' the tank.