Nearly 100% Water Change

[Bignose]

No not really, you would get rid of too much of the beneficial bacteria and cause a mini cycle.

not exactly true as like 80% of the bacteria resides in the filter and on the gravel.

I'd reccomend doing say 75% water changes, every 3-4 days until the ammonia loweres.

Most tanks today have a hang-on-back or canister filter. If you have an undergravel filtration system, then a large portion of the bacteria will be living in the gravel, and you could disturb them some. But, if you are using a HOB or canister filter or sponge filter or some other non-undergravel filter, then all you have to do is match temp, hardness, and pH and all will be fine. You can do 100% water change with the same water parameters and you will be ok. The warnings about too large of water changes are from an era that is long gone today.

 

[damovts]

Thanks for all of the info, I have been doing water changes and the amonia has gone down to 0.25 but now my nitrate and nitrite levels have risen. Any suggestions?

 

[bricko]

Just keep up the water changes until the mini cycle has sorted itself out.

Hope it works out ok for youi and your fish

Regards,

Bricko