water changes

on the 55 about 1-5gal bucket every other week and not yet on the 135 cycling still(WEEK 2)

 

I have been doing about 20-25% every two weeks. But the last three times my water tested perfect right before I changed it so I think I'm going to try and let it go a bit longer.

 

Yes I would have to do more frequent changes. Seems a heck of a lot cheaper to me since a bucket is about $35 to $40 and my supplements don't run that much plus my time is worth a bunch too.

 

(Religously)


15 gallons in 125

4 gallons in 12 gal nanocube (no skimmer)

Weekly





Re: "Water Changes/Ex-changes"
By Anthony Calfo
(Webmedia.com)

"...Under the best of circumstances, water quality in the aquarium after one month typically strays unfavorably downward in pH. It certainly increases in dissolved organics. Water clarity from discoloration becomes darker, however inconspicuous that might be to the naked eye during casual daily inspection. In heavily stocked reef displays – allelopathic compounds (chemical warfare) between corals, plants and algae amplify. Phosphorous and nitrogenous compounds inevitably accumulate too. The list of challenges to water quality goes on. Now instead of allowing these dynamics to crescendo before reducing them abruptly with a large monthly (or less often) water change, the smaller, more frequent water changes will dull the peaks and valleys of such swings in water quality to minimize the stress on the tanks inhabitants..."

 

i've done 5 gallons a week in every tank i've ever had regardless of size, i don't overdue it with livestock either. i think thats really what determines the need for water changes.

 

I am kinda suprised at the wide ranging time period there is between water changes. Some people do it every week while other every other, some twice a week. I guess it really depends on size and bioload you have