water change mbuna tank

[tcrlightemup]

Hello everyone,
Long time lurker but first time getting around to posting. First off thank you all, although you may not know this forum has helped me to no end. Getting to my question...i have a 40 gallon tank with mbuna cichlids (about 20) of pretty much the most basic mbunas (yellow labs, cobalt blues, aceis etc...) that i do a 40% water change on every week. This week however i have the flu and havent been able to get out of bed in a few days. I usually do water changes on fridays however being sick i simply cannot. My ph is 8.0, 0 nitrites, and around 30 nitrates as of right now. Im wondering how i can keep this stable while im sick until i can do a water change. I have 2 50gal aquaclear filters and a double head sponge filter and a offbrand powerhead, basically for better water circulation. Any tips? If there was anyway of a water change id do it but i cant lift myself out of bed. Im not close to lugging 5 gallon buckets around from the shower to the tank. Thank you all from me and my fishy friends!

 

[DJRansome]

Really nothing you can do except feel better soon so you can do water changes. Get a Python...much easier.

Long term 20 mbuna is a lot for a 40G especially the large ones you mention. You might want to make some stocking changes...changing over to smaller, more peaceful and fewer fish.

 

[tcrlightemup]

Thank you for the reply. There are 5 to 10 at least that will be rehomed. The others will be put in my 125 when i change the stocking list up. Im just worried about them because ive never skipped a pwc in 9+months. My peaceful fish are also in another 40gal planted tank. Maybe i shouldve mentioned i have multiple tanks.

 

[poppalina]

You definitely need to get a Python or similar, makes life so much easier.

 

[tlindsey]

Hello everyone,
Long time lurker but first time getting around to posting. First off thank you all, although you may not know this forum has helped me to no end. Getting to my question...i have a 40 gallon tank with mbuna cichlids (about 20) of pretty much the most basic mbunas (yellow labs, cobalt blues, aceis etc...) that i do a 40% water change on every week. This week however i have the flu and havent been able to get out of bed in a few days. I usually do water changes on fridays however being sick i simply cannot. My ph is 8.0, 0 nitrites, and around 30 nitrates as of right now. Im wondering how i can keep this stable while im sick until i can do a water change. I have 2 50gal aquaclear filters and a double head sponge filter and a offbrand powerhead, basically for better water circulation. Any tips? If there was anyway of a water change id do it but i cant lift myself out of bed. Im not close to lugging 5 gallon buckets around from the shower to the tank. Thank you all from me and my fishy friends!

Welcome to MFK Like everyone stated get well first, and your fish will be ok .

 

[Allan01230]

Yes by all means skipping a water change for a week or two will not matter just dont overfeed I feed my mbuna 50 gallon every other day

 

[tcrlightemup]

Thank you all! I actually caved in and went to the dr. I have strep and bronchitis but with the medicine ive been feeling ok. I actually talked my wife into helping with the water change!

 

[markstrimaran]

I had a similar problem. Until I set my tanks up on a semi continuous drip. With 55 gallon dump barrels. I can WC while cooking dinner. Just open and close water valves.