How Much Water To Change...

[Alm0stAwesome]

Helllooo!

I'm planning on doing more frequent water changes for a little while because I've recently purchased some fish with fin/barbel damage (also because I've increased the bioload a bit...)

What percentage changes would you reccomend in order to keep the water tip-top? I don't ever get ammonia or nitrite readings on my weekly 35-40% water changes any way BUT I'm told this is the best way to make sure they heal up with no problems.

Cheers ma dears!

 

[CezzaXV]

I'm a little on the overstocked side, but I do twice weekly water changes. Depending on how much time I've got I might go as far as doing 70-80% changes as it doesn't seem to affect my fish at all and it makes me feel better about my water quality.

If it's to do with healing fin damage, it may be more beneficial to do lots of smaller changes than a few big ones, but anything you do will help.

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

Thanks, I'm quite understocked at the moment so that doesn't come into play for me (yet!). I'm also not overly worried about the increased bioload because of the 8 corys added 5 of them are little baby corys and won't add much. What would you consider a "small" change?

 

[CezzaXV]

I'd consider a small change about 25%, but that for me is a "I haven't got much time but I have to change at least some water" change lol!

I think 25% is the smallest change I've ever done, as any less than that and I don't feel I'm removing enough of the bad stuff for it even to be worth doing. Generally I do between 50-80% depending on how much time I have (I use a homemade Python system which takes quite a bit of time but next to no effort on my part) and since my fish don't seem to be bothered by large water changes, it makes me feel better as I'm removing the bulk of what has built up since my last water change, and it won't matter so much if I'm a few days late with my next one.

I'm aware I'm probably changing more than is needed, both in terms of size and frequency, but as I said my fish aren't bothered by large changes and I'm not on a meter so why not?

 

[OldMan47]

AA I would consider a 40% water change in a fully cycled tank more than adequate to maintain optimal water conditions.

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

Thanks OldMan I've decided to do a change every second day until I'm confident everyone is back on their fins, so to speak

 

[kcartwright856]

I do two 50% water changes every week. I hold the opinion that there is no such thing as too many water changes.

Depending on the different species in your tank, you may want to look into Melafix. While clean water is the best medicine, Melafix is awesome at healing fins and other damages, assuming that the cause of such has been remedied.

 

[Tizer]

I've cut back to roughly 40% weekly, my tank is heavily stocked too. Mind you, even less so now my Firemouths ate 60 neons.

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

lol poor neons!

As a norm I do 40% per week and I do agree with you on large, frequent water changes not being harmful kcartwright but also feel that they may not necessarily be needed - however, they are surely a good thing!
Yes, these fish were being kept in not the best conditions when I bought them so now it's just about getting them all back on form

I'll still do my usual 40% weekly but then continue with small 20-25% changes throughout the week to keep it extra clean

 

[kcartwright856]

Oh, absolutely. I work from home and have tons of time on my hands, as well as only having one tank, so all of my love goes into it!

Two 50% water changes on my tank aren't necessary, but they do make a difference. My kuhli loaches especially love them. Watching their water change dance makes every moment worth it.

Good on you for keeping your water clean!