TFH article, "a mathematical investigion of water changes"

[Gr8KarmaSF]

applying a mathematical model to a dynamic system usually never works.

water change your fish people.

EXACTLY ^ ^ ^

 

[golcondorus]

yeah, i know theres many variables but i thought it was interesting, also the article, if i remember correctly doesnt specify if its just a water change, or change and gravel vac, that was my biggest gripe with the article but overall i agree with the article, cause if you think about it, changing any less than 50 wouldnt really do much, even that, your only dilluting it by half, which is why i do water changes whenever i have the time, water change fanatic here

 

[tcarswell]

The common wisdom is correct - that beneficial bacteria break down the toxic parts of waste and that the fish can live with higher levels of nitrates and other persistent wastes in their tank. However, it's bad for them to have too much of those persistent wastes, so we do water changes.

The amount and frequency of water change that has to be performed depends on SOOOOOOO many factors, including hardiness of fish, amount and frequency of feeding, volume of water, etc.

Play around with this calculator: http://www.theaquatools.com/water-changes-calculator

You'll notice that infrequent, large percentage water changes are most efficient. It gives you a graph of what your waste levels will look like over time, as regular water changes are performed.

So, the simple truth is that fish can live in water with SOME level of nitrates or other persistent wastes, it's just not good for them to be in high concentrations of it. The air in your home likely has 1-15ppm carbon monoxide in it. If it went up to 150ppm, you'd likely be dead.

Every aquarium needs a different amount of water change based on feeding. It's up to YOU to check your nitrate levels (a good indication of persistent wastes in the aquarium) and decide where you want them to be.

Thanks for the calculator link ! I knew it was here somewhere. Neat tool.

 

[Dane]

Keep in mind that a totally sterile environment can lead to worse problems. The fish, just like people, need some pollutants in order to build their immune systems.