Prefer Weekly Water Changes To Bi-weekly.

[Medusa]

I got into the habit of doing a weekly water change for my 40 gallon tank, especially since my large pleco likes to leave big ass fish turds. I was talking with a fellow fish enthusiast at work who said that I was cleaning the tank too much. He thought I should be doing less frequent and larger water changes. Though I agree it would keep the p.h. & temperature from fluctuating too much I've noticed the gravel, which is white, looks dingy after two weeks and the massive pleco turds are everywhere!

How often do you change your water? Anyone got a similar pleco turd problem as well?

 

[pica_nuttalli]

actually, the water conditions will fluctuate less if you do frequent small changes. think about it: the changes to chemistry build up over time. so the longer you allow the tank to sit, the more drastic the effect will be once you change the water.

generally the recommendation is to change frequently in moderate increments. this helps maintain the tank conditions within a tighter range and generally assists in just keeping the tank looking nice. it also makes it easier to just develop a routine (such as "Friday night, time to muck out the fish!")

 

[pokagon55]

I have heard it from one end to the other about water changes. Some do once per week others do bi- weekly and some do just once per month. I have even know some that claim to never do a water change {RO} water. I think it has to do with the bio-load on the tank but then again there are people that have a big bio-load and only do monthy water changes. A good cleanup crew helps with this. So just do what works for you and if you would like then try something differnet and see if it works. I like to change my water every week so I have less to clean in the tank, like the BIG turds!

 

[The-Wolf]

I only do bi-weekly changes on my 82G
all others (62g,42g,20g & 18g) are done weekly

 

[@ombomb]

In my 47.5G, weekly, 40%-50%, mix of tap and RO water.

 

[dwarfgourami]

Weekly for me; twice-weekly on the cory tank in hot weather (to avoid build-up of bacteria) and if I have fry.

 

[Bloo]

In my 47.5G, weekly, 40%-50%, mix of tap and RO water.

Same here - I just don't have RO water.
My 2 other smaller tanks are done the same

 

[morgan]

I was advised that fortnightly changes were ok when I bought my new tank at Xmas. I still do them weekly, I feel that is best. No scientific back-up for my thoughts, just a feeling. I do 10% weekly on a 65ukgal tank. I am understocked but have a large Pleco.

 

[Medusa]

cool, thanks

 

[Teelie]

I do them from every week to every three weeks largely depending on free time though if things start looking bad, I do them then.