Stoutman wrote on 9/22/2006 5:55 PM:
(A) Performing a water change will dilute the nitrobacter's food source and
slow/stop bacterial proliferation.
(B) Performing NO water change, will allow the NH3 concentration to go up
(nitrobacter proliferation slowed/stopped) and come back down via
nitrobacter.

Both (A) and (B) 'most likely' have the SAME net effect, a slower
nitrobacter proliferation.

If given a choice between changing tank water and doing nothing and having
the same net effect, I will pick doing nothing.


Doing a water change percentage sufficient to reduce the
levels of ammonia and nitrite to levels that won't kill
off the remaining life, will still leave plenty of food
for the bacteria. Keep in mind that the rock when pulled
out of the ocean had plenty of bacteria to support a load
of fish. What changed was that stuff on the rock died.
Once the dead stuff is finished rotting, the rock will
once again support a load of fish.

Wayne Sallee
Wayne's Pets