How Often To Do Regular Water Changes?

[mandy82]

I did try to find information about this and coming up with not much at all. How often do I need to do regular water changes now that my tank has cycled?

 

[Ginge]

Once a week 10-15%.

 

[fishing4exotics]

Hi Mandy82, it really depends on the species of fish you keep. Some like Discus you would do at least 25% water changes 2-3 times a week. Others like big Central and other South American 25% every other week. The size of the tank, what kind of filtration, and how much fish ( bioload ) are also factors to consider. But, it is safe to recommend a 25% weekly water change.

I don't see a list the tanks you have and the fish you keep. Would you tell us more about the tanks and fish you keep?

 

[mandy82]

I'm sorry...I meant to add that info. I have 5 guppies, 5 mollies, baby mollies, baby guppies, 1 bristlenose pit bull pleco and 5 ghost shrimp.

 

[thefishykid]

BETWEEN 15% AND 25% WEEKLY IS ABOUT THE MOST I DO ON MY 55G MIXED FRESH WATER TROPICAL AND WHEN I CLEAN OUT THE FILTER IF IT IS SPONGE FILTER I USE SOME OF THE WATER FROM THE TANK AS NOT TO LOOSE ANY VITAL BACTERIA FROM THE FILTER SPONGE

 

[Torrean]

I thought the method for determining the proper time to do a water change was to test your water every few days for NA. When it reaches 40-60 then you do a water change. Repeat this for a few months then you will figure out the proper schedule. General rule is 25% weekly but my general rule is 10% weekly or 25% every two weeks.

 

[mandy82]

I've been testing the water every Saturday to make sure everything is in check, then doing 25% water change while cleaning the gravel with the python. After that I clean the filter cartridge with water to get the gunk off the outside. I have been replacing the cartridge every two weeks. Is that often enough or too often?

 

[Torrean]

no need to replace the cartridge unless it's falling apart or you use carbon. just rinse in tank water.

 

[thefishykid]

YOUR FILTER IS THE HOME FOR ALL THE USFUL BACRERIA THAT YOUR TANK AND FISH NEED TO KEEP THEM IN CHECK I HAVE A SPONGE POWER FILTER AND ONLY CLEAN IT OUT WHEN THE POWER FROM THE OUTLET REDUSES WHEN I CLEAN THE SPONGE I USE THE WATER FROM THE TANK AS IT ALSO HAS BACTERIA IN IT WHEN I CHANGE THE SPONGEI ONLY CHANGE HALF AT A TIME AS COMPLETE CHANGE TAKES AWAY THE BACTRIA THAT YOUR TANK NEEDS

 

[Ethos]

Caps attack?
Anywho, as long as you do 15%-20% a week, you'll be fine.

 

[mandy82]

It's the carbon kind of filter.

 

[cornishgiant]

Interesting. I think I have been over cleaning, hence the cardinals death. Will keep to 30L (out of a 130L) once a week.

 

[Torrean]

If it's carbon then throw it out. Get some filter floss and fill up your filter with it. If your fish get sick and you use meds add a filter cartridge after medicating to remove the meds along with a water change. In a month or so remove the carbon and refill with the filter floss.

If you want to keep your carbon (there is nothing wrong with keeping it, It actually helps keep bad stuff out of your water) then buy a tub of activated carbon and refill the filter cartridge yourself. You'll save money. Carbon is great if something wierd happens like you accidentally drop a bottle of Ammo test liquid into your tank with the cap off. (I did this actually. Luckily the cap was on.)

 

[MegTheFish]

As its been stated, turn to your water testers to guide you! LoL. I have to do a 20% water chage twice a week on my 50 gallon to keep everything in check, just look at my stock (in profile) and you'll learn why! Divided betta tanks, anywhere from 25-50% every week or even every two weeks, and then my 2 gallon 100% every week. I used to have anywhere from 5 to 10 individual 1 gallon betta tanks, now that was tiring.

 

[pinkdolphin_113]

I've heard you're meant to change atleast 20% of the water twice a week? Putting water in bottles and adding conditioner to them, then storing them until you change the water again is also a good idea I've read about. Is this true?