Is it ok to clean your tank every day?

[jiant2520]

I only do 1-2 water changes per week... about 50% each time in my 265g. In my smaller tanks (55g and 56g), I do one water change per week at 50%. I would never be able to keep up with doing a water change every day, however it is def not bad for your tank or fish. If you think you can keep it up... more power to ya, but I would agree with most eveyone else in that it is not needed. If your fish are looking good and healthy, keep it up and show us some pics too.

 

[ElectricBlueSeanBurch]

the beneficial bacteria live on surfaces in the tank and filter, not in the water itself. by doing a large water change you are not removing any bacteria.

if i had the time and energy to do daily changes on my one tank, i would! it's bare bottom and even a single oscar poop is not a pretty sight........ lol.

Step 1: read entire post before you reply
He was saying that basicly the BB will never thrive if you are constantly removing their food source. If your tank never builds up any ammonia then the bacteria can't convert it to nitrite's and so on. He didn't mean you would be actually removing the BB through water changes.

 

[ryansmith83]

Step 1: read entire post before you reply
He was saying that basicly the BB will never thrive if you are constantly removing their food source. If your tank never builds up any ammonia then the bacteria can't convert it to nitrite's and so on. He didn't mean you would be actually removing the BB through water changes.

But again, that depends on stocking density and how much you feed. If you're feeding 100+ Geophagus fry four to six times a day in a 55 gallon tank, they will still produce enough ammonia and nitrite to give you a healthy bacterial colony. For instance, I went away for a long weekend and they did fine for four days without a w/c. If the bacterial colony was somehow inadequate or inefficient, this wouldn't have been the case.

Everything in aquarium husbandry is a balancing act. You have to find what works for you without going totally overboard, or being completely neglectful.

 

[ElectricBlueSeanBurch]

But again, that depends on stocking density and how much you feed. If you're feeding 100+ Geophagus fry four to six times a day in a 55 gallon tank, they will still produce enough ammonia and nitrite to give you a healthy bacterial colony. For instance, I went away for a long weekend and they did fine for four days without a w/c. If the bacterial colony was somehow inadequate or inefficient, this wouldn't have been the case.

Everything in aquarium husbandry is a balancing act. You have to find what works for you without going totally overboard, or being completely neglectful.

Oh I agree 100%. I'd change 50% every other day on my CA/SA 220g if my wife wouldn't kill me. I was just further explaining importracer's point.

 

[aclockworkorange]

^^That's the reason why I said be consistent. If you're changing out water every day, and then don't change for a week, you could have an ammonia spike as your BB colony isn't used to handling that much ammonia.

 

[silverdragon500]

I think excessive water changes is over the top. If your stocking levels, filteration & how much you feed is good to go. 25% exchange each week is fine. Its worked for me for years & fish are healthy. Besides the fact of time and money on four tanks in excess of 700 gallons.

 

[fishman09]

mel o mera changes water daily on his 600 gallon dovii tank and he argueably has the largest dovii ever in a personal aquarium at like 27" so theres something to changing a ton of water that recreates better a natural almost wild environment for fish at least in water quality.

 

[geph]

^^That's the reason why I said be consistent. If you're changing out water every day, and then don't change for a week, you could have an ammonia spike as your BB colony isn't used to handling that much ammonia.

I agree with aclockworkorange. Whatever you do, do it consistent. I personally think a water change everyday is a little bit too much. I have a 240 and a 30gal and I do about 40-50°/. water change once a week and everything works fine.

 

[BigFishMommy]

Step 1: read entire post before you reply
He was saying that basicly the BB will never thrive if you are constantly removing their food source. If your tank never builds up any ammonia then the bacteria can't convert it to nitrite's and so on. He didn't mean you would be actually removing the BB through water changes.

the bacteria will eventually colonize to a point where the population is stable and plentiful enough for full ammonia>nitrite>nitrate conversion, it will just take a lot longer. if there are fish in the tank i know i'd rather be changing water like crazy to keep the ammonia and nitrite down than potentially having my fish suffer in order to get the bacteria going faster.

 

[cichlidfish]

I would only do daily water changes if your tanks are seriously over stocked. Other wise I would leave it a long and give the bacteria a chance to cycle. Every water change will reduce your beneficial bacteria.
The best thing to do is regulary check your water params to see if it is needed.