Weekly water changes if Nitrates are still 5?

[lillibirdy]

I am trying to do everything right with my new 45g US. In the past I have let several weeks go by before doing water changes on my ten gallon. I planned to do weekly with my new one since I am now much better educated on these matters, please forgive me if this is a stupid question.

My question is...As a general rule... & After a tank is established, we are doing water changes to reduce Nitrates and keep them at a healthy level for fishies, what if they are already at say a 5. Do I still need to water change? If ammonia and Nitrites are 0 and Nitrates are 5 do I still change? If not, then where would be the level be to do so? Might there be a specific tank that would only need it every two weeks?
Thx
KathyW

 

[Squirrelbuddies]

My nitrate reading on my 20 gallon is typically 5-10 ppm, but I still do weekly water changes (15%) along with gravel vac. Even though nitrate is low, still need to get rid of the cruddy stuff in the gravel.

Plus, the fish love it when I pour in fresh water!

 

[Rodders]

The water in the tank also looses the minerals etc..... if it stays in there.
In a river you get the constant flow of water so its always fresh, 20gals (or whatever size your tank is) just sat there doesnt stay too fresh.
So its also to replenish the tank with all the nutrients and minerals found in fresh water.
I do weekly/fornightly changes.

 

[KerriPaul]

5- 10 - you're doing well. The OFFICIAL figures for my tap water average over 20!

 

[clutterydrawer]

however i think if your nitrates are that low you can get away with doing it less than weekly, as long as you monitor the levels to make sure you change water when the levels start to creep up.

 

[FoundMoney]

I have always done weekly water changes of about 18 % since my tank cycled. The nitrates are constantly at 5 so I guess I'm doing something right. I wouldn't do it any less because I want to keep the levels constant. I don't know what would happen if the nitrates shot up to 10 or higher. I'd rather keep things status quo. I'm no expert but I would just keep doing small water changes. I think fish get acclimated to certain parameters and it's more important to keep the levels the same.