2 Quick Questions ....

[stuhyde]

I have been doing a 20% water change every few weeks, keeping an eye on nitrAtes, and recently it has dropped to lower than the tap water..

I have 3 plants in there, are they utilising the NitrAte? Do I still need to do water changes for any other reason?

2nd question; The tank has now been running nicely for about 3 months, but I havent TOUCHED my filter (tetratec ex700) .. water flow still good, does it need looking at??

Everything else is tip top, really pleased it has been a success

 

[Biulu]

Water changes are also necessary to avoid the build up of ammonia caused by the fishes' waste. If you have plants, they do use the minerals available in the water, and food left-overs, fish poop etc.

After 3 months, I would open up your filter, and see how the sponges are. It might be good to give them a rinse.

 

[starrynightxxi]

although it varies from place to place, one thing that water changes remove are all the dissolved minerals like calcium. Water evaporates but that stuff doesn't so if you are only topping off instead of removing water, then it starts to build up. You'll probably start to notice mineral deposits on your tank and your water's hardness will increase. But if your nitrates are low than it's not imperative that you do weekly water changes.

 

[stuhyde]

Thanks people

Yes, ammonia and NitrIte are ZERO...

 

[stuhyde]

So .. Do I attack my filter, and to what level?

I know about using tank water........