For me its all about nitrates, if a tank is cycled we perform WC as to reduce the ppm of nitrates and also add minerals and such back to the water column.curious about other folks water change schedules, what sets there schedule and how they go about it. I change water once a week, 350+ gallons weekly counting all tanks. always 80% or fin level.
I am under the opinion that 20 ppm is the bench mark for water changes. if you do a 50% water change at 40 then you have reduced to 20 ppm, this is the number when water change needs to happen. nitrate becomes a toxicity to your fish at levels over 20 ppm. As I understand it.For me its all about nitrates, if a tank is cycled we perform WC as to reduce the ppm of nitrates and also add minerals and such back to the water column.
That being said if your tank is cycled (no ammonia/nitrites) imo you should do a wc when your nitrates hit 30-40ppm. Some people will exceed levels of 80-100ppm with no ill effects but its a fact high nitrate levels will kill or stunt a once healthy fish.
If you don't already have a test kit buy a liquid API fw master test kit, test and when nitrates hit 40ppm do a 50% wc, then test again in a few days and when they hit 40ppm do it again. Eventually its like clock work and you know when your nitrates are approximately at their peak levels.
Pothos is a easy and cheap way to cut the need for wc in half. Visit the link below for more info!
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Cheap way to decrease nitrates and keep your fish healthy: [url]http://monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=504763 [/URL]
I am under the opinion that 20 ppm is the bench mark for water changes. if you do a 50% water change at 40 then you have reduced to 20 ppm, this is the number when water change needs to happen. nitrate becomes a toxicity to your fish at levels over 20 ppm. As I understand it.
I don't have 45 years in just 17 but I just do my water changes also......I do 1-2 water changes a week of 60-75% and I change my filter socks every week, hob filter cartridges every week, and my canisters every 2 weeks.What is the source for these figures about what is low / medium / high ranges and what is acceptable? Mine is an average of 10 PPM out of the tap according to the annual report from the utility. I don't test water after 45 years in the hobby. I just change the stuff.