Newbie Question

[Zikofski]

Okay Quick Question, Hoe long can i keep my filter turned of during a water change before the bacteria inside start to die?

 

[Liquid skills]

Don't worry I've read so many things some say 1 hour =12% bacteria loss

And others say 12%a day is lost so I wouldn't worry too much about u being an hour just try to get it done in under an hour to be on the safe side

 

[KittyKat]

I usually assume 50% every 24 hours for a standard external or internal, but it does very much depend on the filter. For example, I expect bacteria on a biowheel to die as soon as the wheel dries out (which can be as little as 10-30 minutes), but a sponge filter will last longer than most because it is submerged, open and is in a larger amount of water.

 

[Zikofski]

kl thank you for a quick reply ye i usually take as much water out as i can and then as soon as my filters strt to struggle turn them off, so il try n keep to an hour then to be safe thank you

zikofski

 

[KittyKat]

kl thank you for a quick reply ye i usually take as much water out as i can and then as soon as my filters strt to struggle turn them off, so il try n keep to an hour then to be safe thank you

Just to be sure, you do know the dangers of doing larger water changes (unless they are daily/every other day)? The fact that tank water pH and hardness can differ quite a lot from new water and a significant change in either can kill fish?

Also, what brand are your spray bars? I'm thinking of arranging mine like that, but the bog-standard Eheim ones that I have cannot be rotated.