Topping off versus water change

[OwduaNM]

My house is very dry and causes my tank water to evaporate fairly quickly. How do I know when a water change is necessary over just adding water to too the tank off?

Should it be based on a hardness test or just based on nitrates?

 

[threnjen]

Just based on nitrates. Recommended practice is 50% a week, but if you are to go by testing results, it needs to be kept under 20ppm NitrAtes at all times. Otherwise just top off as needed (always using a dechlorinator)

 

[OwduaNM]

Thank you!

 

[BBradbury]

Tops Offs and Water Changes

My house is very dry and causes my tank water to evaporate fairly quickly. How do I know when a water change is necessary over just adding water to too the tank off?

Should it be based on a hardness test or just based on nitrates?

Hello Owd...

Generally, water changes should be done at least every 2 weeks, more often is better. 50 percent of the tank volume removed and replaced is needed to guarantee stable water conditions.

I have to top off my tanks just about daily. Mine are a little more open and there's quite a bit of evaporation.

Since I change so much tank water and change it so often, I don't need to test it. By following an aggressive water change routine, there's no time for toxins to build up in the water before the next large water change.

B

 

[OwduaNM]

My plan is to change 40-50% weekly, unless my water parameters are off and require more frequent changes. I had to do quite a few daily water changes after I added fish due to a mini cycle plus excess food decaying in the gravel (from cycling my tank, I never cleaned it). So I am prepared to do as many water changes as it takes.

Thank you for your input!