need advice/water changes for 400G

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
M

M.Carfi

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 26, 2009
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N.Jersey
got a 400 gallon setup for about 2 weeks now, I took half the water from my 135 to fill, the rest was fresh from the tap.
I have:
fx5 uncycled fresh media
amiracle 400 twin tower sump cycled
and an eheim 2229 cycled

The ph sits around 7.5 to 8 consistently.
The water is about 85.F
There are 7, 8-10" fish in residence

When and how often should I change the water, and what % should be changed on a regular basis. Should I be vacuuming the accumulation on the bottom? or can I take the water from the sump to replace. There are 1" round river rocks as a substrate. 3 of the fish frequently feed from the bottom, and a 4th is a pleco.

Reason I'm asking is because the tank is so deep that I have to practically get in it to keep it as clean as my 135. It's a 2 man job now.
 
I would just change 25% each week as normal hose in syphon out . if its a major pain vacuming bottom why not disturb bottom as water is syphoning out ? this way most goes out anyway the rest goes in filters that can be changed when clogged . Your stocking levels are low so i think this would be MORE than enough to maintain great quality
 
will try that for sure.... as long as that doesn't affect water quality.

Is the water quality different at the bottom? Higher concentration of nitrates/ammonia? I would imagine it is........I'm sure it is best to vacuum from the bottom but is leaving that on the bottom a good way to get the substrate cycled?
 
Know what you mean but as I keep on top of cleaning hardly any real mess at bottom . I also only have 1" deep gravel so not much gathers . Vacuming is better but if you can't reach then your choices limited . I certainly don't think it's a good idea to let bottom get filthy then disturb . It's only a case of moving it about gently as water being removed
 
I would just do 80% change and gravel sweep once a week/ten day's.
 
justpgraham;3487267; said:
That's a huge water change ! Why so high ? Maybe 40% tops but 80% ?
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If remember correct? He's keeping pred's. Like ATF,Armatus,Tat/ Type fish, And they need very clean water. JMO

If your into Angle's Cichlids ect.. 40%-50% is fine. agin JMO :)
 
justpgraham;3487295; said:
Ok if he does I am out if my knowledge area . Was going on fact he has devils oscars etc
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Your 100% correct, With Oscar/devil's ect... :)
Maybe that's what's going in the bigger tank? :D
 
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