Water changes: how much is too much?

[N8sobes1216]

Hi all, so I just did a water change on my 20G FW tank. I was thinking about doing two changes a week to assist water quality. Do a 5 gallon change, every Tuesday and Friday, but I'm also worried that may be too frequent of water changes. Can anyone offer insight?

 

[nirbhao]

That is neither too often nor too much.

 

[N8sobes1216]

That is good info to know! Thank you!

 

[rockeyemma19]

Be careful! Doing too big of a water change at once can remove aerobic bacteria and cause the tank to cycle again. I usually never do more than 20%

 

[TMaier]

I think most of our old timer fish geeks would say you're fine. I have done 30-50% changes weekly for the past several month with no issues. I need to STOP over feeding...

 

[Fresh2o]

Be careful! Doing too big of a water change at once can remove aerobic bacteria and cause the tank to cycle again. I usually never do more than 20%

The beneficial bacteria colonize most surfaces in the tank, especially where there is good flow such as in the filter. Water changes will not affect their population.