Fully cycled tank ..how much water......?

[EdgarMedina1010]

i have my (10 gal.)tank fully cycled and i was wondering how often and how much water should i change?

 

[tbonem91]

depends slightly on whats in it, but the "standard" is 25% weekly or so...

 

[EdgarMedina1010]

depends slightly on whats in it, but the "standard" is 25% weekly or so...

By 'whats in it' you mean fish?

 

[rich311k]

You can go by your nitrate readings as well. Test once a week and try to keep the nitrates under 20ppm. Anywhere form 25 - 50% weekly or bi-weekly shoud be ok depending on your fish load, filtration etc.

 

[EdgarMedina1010]

i have a 10 gal. tank with 6 neon tetras and 2 platy's ( these are mine) and im taking care of 2 white clouds....oh and i had a pleco for awhile now its gone.....also what if i dont have that much of an algae source....what would be a good algae eater for my 10 gal.?

 

[BillD]

For algae, especially in a small tank. Oto cats (Otocinclis sp.) are the way to go.

 

[bigmac1878]

keep the nitrates under 20ppm.

i was under the impression that under 40 ppm was the benchmark for nitrates. having said that, i do try to keep mine below 20 ppm. just me being over cautious.

 

[rich311k]

I think 40 is the number often given but I think 20 is a much better goal.

 

[Fishyfanatic]

I agree, aim for 20. It is easier to control the Nitrates when the level is lower. Doing a 50% water change on a tank with 80 Nitrates will only get you down to 40. but if you are at 40 and do a 50%, you are down to 20.

 

[chotie]

25% twice a week. 50% twice a week is better.