water changes

[mdl91881]

do you think it would be better to do a 5 gallon water change every week or a 10 gallon change every two weeks?

 

[Guest]

What size tank?

I have a 55 and I change 10 gal every two weeks, however, I add at least a gal a day in top off water.

 

[mdl91881]

i really don't get that much evaporation. made add a 1/2 gallon per week.

 

[mdl91881]

it is a 55 gallon

 

[Guest]

I have a wooden light canopy and 160 watts of lights. I do not use glas or anything else on top of the tank so it is open. Lots of open water. Thats why it gets a lot of evap. Not to mention the protien skimmer and all.

 

[loganj]

I do about 10 gal every two weeks. Lots of people only change water changes once a month, but I feel more frequent changes are better for the fish.
Logan J

 

[mdl91881]

so 10 gallons every two weeks should take care of it?

 

[Guest]

Yeah I think so, and to get even better, about every two months I do at least 25%

 

[Guest]

Forgot, I made it easier on my self and went to the grocery store and bought some 5 gal water bottles like you put on water coolers. they work great for water changes and you can store your water easier. I go up to the store and use the ro/di machine for 0.25 per gal. I think it is cool. One thing I need to do though, is stop using tap water for top off and use one of the 5 gals of fresh water for top off. this would last me 5 to 7 days. I don't know how much they are where you are, but, down here in J'ville, the bottles are $11 and you can keep them.

IMO it is worth 25 cents a gal to get good water than to go through the de-chlor and all that jazz...

 

[reefrunner69]

Hey tim, I buy water containers from Walmart in the sporting goods section. The one I use is called the aquatainer holds 7 gallons (fits in their RO machine) and has a spout for easy pouring. It is a good sturdy container, they are also only 7.95 ea. Might wanna give it a try.

 

[Guest]

Thanks I will check it out

 

[Anemoneman]

IMO it is worth 25 cents a gal to get good water than to go through the de-chlor and all that jazz...

You might consider buying your own RO filter. Even at 25 cents/gal it will pay for itself in a year or less and you will have the convenience of having all the water you need always available. I finally took the punge and now I wonder why I didn't do it sooner. Highly recommended.

Mark