On Mon, 11 Sep 2006 01:09:21 GMT, "JeffinMS"
wrote:

I havent had time to change water in about 5-6 weeks due to some work and
family related issues. Took time to add treated water though. There seems to
be no ill effects and the water readings are pretty good and consistent with
the exception of the water being a little hard. The water is becoming
somewhat cloudy. What are some of the problems I might come across with not
changing water for long periods?

20 gal. tank
Clown Loaches
1 Pleco
3 Black Molly
2 Swords
4 tetras.

1 real plant (Cant remember what its called but its long and thin and grows
very rapidly)

Thanks
J


The "cloudy water" may be signaling a problem. Over feeding is more
likely to be a problem than not changing water.

I am totally dedicated to routing water changes over anything else
except care about over feeding.

How can you not worry about the water conditions, just the disolved
solids issue alone? (see old tank syndrome.)

It is my observation that filters are actually "strainers." They hold
the larger solids, but the water passing by is eroding the solids and
letting the stuff to return to the tank. Oh, woe is me, I predict
disaster due to negligence.

But, what do I know? There is more to life than fish - well, maybe.

dick