Tank Maintenance

[jlbfish]

My cycled tank is going a week w/out any measurements being out of whack. At this point I don't necessarily think it will go for 2 weeks but my question is how often do you change the water for clean tank maintenance? and if the readings are fine how much?

Thanks

 

[calfishguy]

What is your stock. I recommend doing at least 20 percent a week. But you might have to do more it depends of your stock and how fast your nitrates rise. I try to keep them under 20.

 

[jlbfish]

I'm cool with 10-20% once a week as a matter of fact more than once a week might be nervewracking for me. But I also don't want to do it if it is unnecessary.

Nitrates are currently 10-20 right now and it is due for a weekly water change tomorrow. ATM Stock is 4 Corys, 6 Neons (soon to be 5 more Red Eyed Tetras and 1 Black Neon too!).

 

[calfishguy]

How big is the tank. As your nitrates rise you will have to do water changes 20 percent might be enough a week it might not. As your fish get fully grown you will be able to see how much a week you need to do.

 

[jlbfish]

How big is the tank. As your nitrates rise you will have to do water changes 20 percent might be enough a week it might not. As your fish get fully grown you will be able to see how much a week you need to do.

So is it based on your water test results and specific to each tank?

This one is a 28. I hope to fill out the tetra school and move the red eyes to a 75 when it is cycled. And maybe leave the black neons in the 28. Not sure.

 

[jlbfish]

And is a sign when you see ammonia, nitrites or nitrates above 20? And/or a pH shift?

 

[BBradbury]

Fish In Tank Cycling

My cycled tank is going a week w/out any measurements being out of whack. At this point I don't necessarily think it will go for 2 weeks but my question is how often do you change the water for clean tank maintenance? and if the readings are fine how much?

Thanks

Hello j...

When I cycled my first tank, I checked for ammonia and nitrites daily and when the water tested positive for even a trace of these pollutants, I changed 25 to 30 percent of the water to return the properties back into the safe zone for the fish. I cycled with some Guppies and they survived the process with no trouble.

The key is to test daily and change the water immediately when you get a positive pollution reading.

B

 

[okapizebra]

If your tank is cycled you should be seeing no ammonia or nitrites and your pH should not be changing. But if your nitrates are rising above 20, I'd do a PWC. I usually do 30% a week on my 29 gallon.

 

[jlbfish]

Great information. Thanks everyone! Love this forum!

Jana