Lets put this to rest: Do large water changes have a negative effect on Nitrifying Bacteria / BB

[koltsixx]

You would not have your filters running if your doing a 90% water change. Also Prime work instantly. Not to mention that you cannot remove the bacteria by remove the water. Its anchored to the bio media, substrate, glass surface, ornaments and literally all surfaces with bio-film.

I think we need to clarify that when I said performing a larger water change I am making the assumption that the water itself is treated in a way which the bacteria is not going to be killed by chemicals in the water. Otherwise even a small 25% of untreated water would have negative effects on the life in that aquarium.

I wasn't saying the BB would be rinsed away but meant that the water would contain harmful chemicals that would kill off the BB. Again sorry if I was unclear.

As for the instant part I addressed that in my other response. Again I'm fully aware I may be wrong but am looking to understand why.

 

[philipraposo1982]

If these are not being taken care of by conditioner (prime or others) then it would harm the livestock as well right?

 

[koltsixx]

If these are not being taken care of by conditioner (prime or others) then it would harm the livestock as well right?

I'm sorry I'm not sure what you are referring to? Do you mean if an issue such as higher then normal contaminants caused by run off or some other unforeseen problem? If you are generalizing no, not every fish or animal reacts to chemicals etc the same. For instance Poly's are sensitive to copper based meds. The fact that they are doesn't make all other fish inherently so.

Or am I misunderstanding what you are saying?

 

[krichardson]

I have always been of the understanding that there are beneficial bacteria colonies on nearly all inner surfaces of the tank so I would guess that any negative effects would depend on how the water change is done...are all the sides wiped off while the water is being drained,is the substrate being vacuumed,and so forth.

 

[koltsixx]

I have always been of the understanding that there are beneficial bacteria colonies on nearly all inner surfaces of the tank so I would guess that any negative effects would depend on how the water change is done...are all the sides wiped off while the water is being drained,is the substrate being vacuumed,and so forth.

That has been my understanding as well but I have also been under the impression that in general the amount found outside the filter is negligible. Then again I have heard claims of people switching out sand to bare bottom and seeing mini cycles. Just as I've heard about initial cycles being slowed by too may water changes. Since they're merely experiences with no scientific backing I can only give them so much credence.

Again I maybe wrong about the large water changes but I don't think it's as clear cut as it's being made out to be.

 

[Chockful O Phail]

Personal experience only: no it doesn't. I've been changing 90-95% weekly for several years and have never broke the cycle on my tanks. Fin level water changes. I can see in low ph where bb has a hard time living that a big change could affect it or failure to prime/safe and damaging it that way but I haven't had an issue at all.

 

[koltsixx]

Personal experience only: no it doesn't. I've been changing 90-95% weekly for several years and have never broke the cycle on my tanks. Fin level water changes. I can see in low ph where bb has a hard time living that a big change could affect it or failure to prime/safe and damaging it that way but I haven't had an issue at all.

Thanks for sharing your personal experience. Honestly I'm surprised that so early in the thread there's already two members who say they do 90+% water changes regularly. I thought I was doing pretty well doing regular 35-50% water changes every two-three days. You guys make me look like a slacker.

 

[RD.]

What Chockful just said. If your tap water is unstable, then anything is possible, but under typical conditions, what one might describe as normal - massive water changes are a non issue with one caveat - this should only be done on an established system, with established filters.

This is exactly how I cycle new tanks - 100% fresh tap water (treated with Safe), and an established filter. Done deal, just add filter, instantly cycled and ready for new fish.

For non believers just watch the videos below. My water changes aren't quite that extreme, but close.

 

[koltsixx]

What Chockful just said. If your tap water is unstable, then anything is possible, but under typical conditions, what one might describe as normal - massive water changes are a non issue with one caveat - this should only be done on an established system, with established filters.

This is exactly how I cycle new tanks - 100% fresh tap water (treated with Safe), and an established filter. Done deal, just add filter, instantly cycled and ready for new fish.

For non believers just watch the videos below. My water changes aren't quite that extreme, but close.

Thanks RD for weighing in. Proves that I was wrong when in the other thread I stated to philipraposo1982 that as far as I know Discus keepers, breeders typically use aged water. And wouldn't engage in such large changes otherwise.

But from what you and Chockful said am I correct in gathering that areas with low PH tap water would indeed possibly have issues doing such large water changes? And what would you call unstable water conditions? Would it be a common enough issue that the average aquarist might run into it? Or is it rare to have unstable water condition out of tap? What about out gassing caused by the tap water being under pressure. Is it also a concern when doing such a large change?

 

[Fish Tank Travis]

I age most of my water and have been doing 95%+ water changes on my son's ten gallon tank, every weekend, for over a year with no issues. I use Prime with each water change and haven't seen a mini cycle yet.

I also performed 90%+ water changes once a week on my quarantine tank for the past few months. Again, I use Prime and have no issues.

On my 220, I change near 175 gallons once a week. For this I use 110 gallons of aged water and the rest comes straight from the hose. I use Safe in this tank and haven't had any issues.