Newb, Water Questions For New Tank

[OldMan47]

KH is about 5, GH is about 10. The harder / softer range as far as pH stability is all about KH but the mineral content is about GH. 10 is a medium to soft value for GH for mineral content but pH stability wise it is sort of soft as WD said. Basically it is some nice water that could become unstable if you don't do enough water changes. (17 ppm is about 1 german degree)

 

[190MPH]

Yes the German conversion comes up at about 4.5 KH and 8-9 GH. These numbers were within decimal points of each other on the samples from both my tap and 2 year established 8g bowl. I can say that I have not been the most dilligent on water changes with the bowl and only a couple of fish at its peak . Would it be safe to assume that the pH in a new system would perform the same? If the pH remains steady then there is no need for such a large water change, correct? Just the normal 20-25%? I am definately going to keep a better maintenance schedule on them after everything I've learned in the last few days.

 

[OldMan47]

If you don't have any water problems, the actual amount of water change can be guided by the nitrate concentration. When nitrates are trending up, you are not changing enough water. When nitrates are trending down, you are changing more than you need to. Most people end up with a number in the 10 to 30% range. The ones who insist that 30% is absolutely needed are the ones who have heavy stockings. I suppose some are just repeating what they have heard.

 

[190MPH]

Thank You OM. That trending info is good to know.

 

[waterdrop]

If you don't have any water problems, the actual amount of water change can be guided by the nitrate concentration. When nitrates are trending up, you are not changing enough water. When nitrates are trending down, you are changing more than you need to. Most people end up with a number in the 10 to 30% range. The ones who insist that 30% is absolutely needed are the ones who have heavy stockings. I suppose some are just repeating what they have heard.

"The ones who insist..."
Interestingly, I've always mused that perhaps there is a higher incidence of LFS workers that will cite rigid water change percentages because they get used to a world of heavier stockings all around them in the shop.

~~waterdrop~~