Water changes

[dragonsheet]

How much and how often should I change water in my 55 gal tank I have had it for around 1 year now. The pet store has had me changing 10 gal. every 2 weeks is that to much or not enough. thanks

 

[MikeyB]

I Would test your water and change accordingly. Every tank is different. Check your paramitters and get a good feel of how long it takes for readings to start rising then change accordingly.

 

[toadery]

uhm, which readings in particular? ammonia or nitrates?
:|

 

[cardinal]

in my opinion...u should change 20% monthly...
or....10% every 2 weeks )
this is wot i have been used to doing...but again it depends on your tank...
this is just a guide )

 

[malkore]

watch nitrates, phosphates. if it's a reef, watch magnesium....lots of times you don't need to do magnesium supplements...rather you just need water changes more often to keep good trace levels.

a cycled tank should never have ammonia or nitrite readings. If you do, it's not cycled, or you have a serious die off problem demanding immediate action.