Changing Water

[algae eater]

I have a 55 gallon tank with about 12 Africans. Do I need to change the water if it is clear? I check the nitrates, etc and they are OK. I know that weekly changes are suggested. == Also what is a good number of fish for a tank my size?

 

[Ferris]

I do weekly water changes of around 25% for my Mbuna tank.

Let us know what fish you have already and we'll be better informed to help you with stocking levels. Generally 15 Mbuna is about the max for a 55 gal but this does depend on the aggression of the fish and the size they reach.

 

[freddyk]

African cichlids range from 1" to 24", so as mentioned an answer can't be given unless you provide details. The answer to maximum stocking levels ranges anywhere from 1 to 20.

Water changes are the best thing we can do for fish - plain and simple. Fresh water is clean and nutrient rich, just like the water they've evolved in. There is more to foul water then just nitrates, though this is mainly what we judge it upon. The truth is, you may not need to change your water every week, but for the few minutes it takes, why not?

 

[algae eater]

I do weekly water changes of around 25% for my Mbuna tank.

Let us know what fish you have already and we'll be better informed to help you with stocking levels. Generally 15 Mbuna is about the max for a 55 gal but this does depend on the aggression of the fish and the size they reach.

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What is a good source of water for the changes. I have been using bottled water from the store as that seems to be better than tap water. What do you use?

 

[Ferris]

Just normal tap water correctly treated with dechlorinator and at the right temperature, nice and simple.

If you buy your fish locally, your LFS will probably have the same water conditions as you if done this way. Using bottled water introduces new elements which the fish are most likely not used to.

Just my opinion!

 

[freddyk]

Be very careful with bottled water, it tend to be bery low ph and lacking in elements the fish need. What kind of water is it? Have you run any general tests on it? (ph, gh, kh)

 

[algae eater]

Just normal tap water correctly treated with dechlorinator and at the right temperature, nice and simple.

If you buy your fish locally, your LFS will probably have the same water conditions as you if done this way. Using bottled water introduces new elements which the fish are most likely not used to.

Just my opinion!

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I need to do a complete tank water change as there is a bunch of crud under my rocks. After cleaning the 55 gal tank and filling with tap water, inserting "Stress Coat" and "Stress Zyme", am I good to put my fish back in the tank?

Thanks,

 

[freddyk]

It's best to be sure and aerate the water (just by running the equipment) overnight, or at least a few hours.

 

[Ethos]

Wouldn't bottled water get expansize?
I mean, woah, I change my 55G every so often, and wow...It'd be expanzive for me...