Mebbid
Aquarium Advice Addict
I have the benefit of seeing the effects of nitrates working o the immune system of fish directly in salt water tanks. This is most prominently seen in tanks that are infected with ich.
My tank had an active ifh infestation for approximately 9 ish months. In the beginning, my nitrates had crept up reducing the immune reaction of the fish making them more susceptible to disease. At the point where it was at its worst my nitrates spiked up to 80ppm due to issues with my caulerpa. At this same time my clowns became covered in ich. With some emergency treatment they survived, however I was never able to fully get the ich eradicated. Throughout those 9ish months I managed to get my nitrates down to 0 where they have stayed ever since. About once or twice a month I would see a single spot or two on my fish but no more. There are many other redfers that do this same thing to control their ich.
Scientific research has shown nitrates have a direct effect on immune response which is a bit more conclusive than what ive personally witnessed
In short, the cleaner the water, the healthier the fish. So no, you cant really do too many water changes unless theres a problem with your source water.
My tank had an active ifh infestation for approximately 9 ish months. In the beginning, my nitrates had crept up reducing the immune reaction of the fish making them more susceptible to disease. At the point where it was at its worst my nitrates spiked up to 80ppm due to issues with my caulerpa. At this same time my clowns became covered in ich. With some emergency treatment they survived, however I was never able to fully get the ich eradicated. Throughout those 9ish months I managed to get my nitrates down to 0 where they have stayed ever since. About once or twice a month I would see a single spot or two on my fish but no more. There are many other redfers that do this same thing to control their ich.
Scientific research has shown nitrates have a direct effect on immune response which is a bit more conclusive than what ive personally witnessed
In short, the cleaner the water, the healthier the fish. So no, you cant really do too many water changes unless theres a problem with your source water.