How Common Should Water Changes Be Done?

[Qays]

Hello. Most people here say 20% water changes are what you should do.

But i know people who have done water changes from 2-4 weeks and never had problems in years.

So, what are your oppinions and why?

 

[Bloo]

It depends on the tank / stock / filtering etc. etc. but "in general" around 20% once a week is good practice. That said, I do between 30 - 50% - depending on the tank - every 1 week to 10 days.
I do on occasion leave it longer when going on long holidays (up to a month) - and all still remains fine. But this is an exception and my fish certainly seems to look perkier and happier in clean water.

 

[Qays]

Ok thanks !

 

[DanDanUK]

Ok thanks !

I like to do mine weekly on my 180gallon but my smaller 20gal tanks i do them every 2 weeks.

 

[Kairi]

i do 20 -25% water changes weekly on my tanks, and about once a month gravel vac them (or if the crud on the bottom begins to stand out to me). the fry tank gets a 50% water change about bi-weekly.