Large water change. Pros, Cons?

[coryjac0b]

I seem to have caused a bacterial bloom about a month ago. I was unaware that bio-balls work better elevated out the water, rather than submerged. So i setup them up as a wet/dry. Well disturbing them caused the tank to go cloudy and has been since. I assume its a bacterial bloom, its not green. I only have a few fish in there, 4 blue dolphin cichlids, 6 or so yellow labs.

The tank is a 210g. I still do my weekly water change, it has no impact. I have tried leaving the lights off for days at a time. Feeding cut back to every other day.

Only other thing i can think if is to do a large water change, maybe 70-90%?


Would this be a bad thing?


TIA


-Cory

 

[mshill90]

Are you only running the wet/dry sump? Is there any filter media in it?

 

[coryjac0b]

Using some quilt batting as mechanical filtration, Also running some carbon in a 2 little fishies reactor.

 

[mshill90]

Using some quilt batting as mechanical filtration, Also running some carbon in a 2 little fishies reactor.

Carbon only removed meds and odors from tanks, and after about 2 days it's no long "activated" and you might as well junk it.

Quilt batting is ok.. I used it on a filter, and I HATED it.

IF i was you, I would look into what's called matala mat- It's not cheap, but you don't have to replace it, and it works great.

I think you just have to let things reestablish and get the particles out.

If you don't have fish in it right now, I would go a few days to let things get re stabilized with the bio balls. See if that helps, and then do 70% changes.

 

[Words]

Only other thing i can think if is to do a large water change, maybe 70-90%?


Would this be a bad thing?

If your filter media and sand/gravel/tank decor are established, then no, this large of a water change would not hurt. Just make sure the water you add back is as close to the same temp as the water you take out.

 

[MyGiants]

I used to be able to sometimes do 80% water changes. But now I have to many big fish and they freak if I take the water that low now. Its never hurt my fish..

 

[smitty03281964]

I agree with Melissa I think you just have to let things reestablish.