Water Changes

"HyperCube33" wrote in
:

What conditions prompt a water change?

For me, the condition called "Sunday"... :-)

What test kit results (high
nitrates, etc) would be an indication for a partial water change?
Debris buildup...blah blah.


Yes, nitrates, etc people use water parameters as a "trigger" for a water
change, some to great success. For me, its more like an oil change; you
do it at 3K to 5K miles, not because the oil has degraded fully, but as a
preventative measure against undue wear on the engine that would result if
you were to let the oil fully degrade. BTW, I hate analogies...

Also, some things (like total dissolved solids) are difficult for the
home aquarist to measure. A 20% water change a week keeps the Old Tank
Syndrome away. (say it to yourself like "an apple a day...") Its risk
management against future trouble.


Any favorite tools used to change the water?


Some 5 gallon buckets, and a manual siphon gravel vac. My tap water needs
some "attention" before it can go into the tanks, so no pythons for me...
*shrug*

DaveZ
Atom Weaver

Dick wrote:

Are there any guidelines by how much (50%, 100%?) of the tanks water you
change out, how often, any other tips and or suggestions!

I have 5 tanks varying from 10 to 75 gallon.**I*change*20%*twice
weekly, I neglect filter cleaning in favor of water changes.


I do a 10%-15% water change once a week. I do a minor filter clean, i.e.
rinse out the sponges, twice a month. Every other month I do a complete
filter disassemble and clean.

My tanks are all heavily planted. If yours are not, more frequent water
changes should be done.

--
It's turtles, all the way down

On Thu, 07 Sep 2006 08:46:13 -0700, Larry Blanchard
wrote:

Dick wrote:

Are there any guidelines by how much (50%, 100%?) of the tanks water you
change out, how often, any other tips and or suggestions!

I have 5 tanks varying from 10 to 75 gallon.**I*change*20%*twice
weekly, I neglect filter cleaning in favor of water changes.


I do a 10%-15% water change once a week. I do a minor filter clean, i.e.
rinse out the sponges, twice a month. Every other month I do a complete
filter disassemble and clean.

My tanks are all heavily planted. If yours are not, more frequent water
changes should be done.

I clean my filters when there is more water bypassing than going
through the media.

I think 'filter' is a misnomer, I think 'strainer' more accurate. My
theory is the media reduces the solids size via erosions making the
particles that pass easier for the bacteria to use.

I like plants almost as much as my fish. My tanks are all 'low light'
limiting selections, but what I have thrive well and don't need
supplemental fertilizers.

I am dedicated to low maintenance answers.

dick