Water change technique

[Karalak42]

Hi guys

In my biggest tank the nitrates are a bit high mostly so I was thinking about the water changes like this sometimes Instead of doing 30 or 50 percent change
Empty the tank almost and leave 10 to 20 percent of old water and full up the tank to 1 third first day half next day and full day after. What do you think about that. Also I don't feed on Sunday but was thinking bout 1 day on 2 now.

Thx

 

[Deadeye]

How often do you do water changes?
Why leave the tank only half full?
Doing large, frequent changes is the best method to control nitrates.

 

[Karalak42]

I do it each 2 weeks normaly. It's a 300 gallon tank. Well isn't It too big Schock for the fish if I do that? Some people even say only 10 percent water change(wich is ridiculous I think BTW)

 

[Deadeye]

How heavily is it stocked?
30-50% is pretty light (evidenced by the high nitrates). I would either change more (70-80%) or do them more frequently (50% per week).

 

[esoxlucius]

Unless you are really overstocked and/or you tend to overfeed, then one fin level water change per week should be good to keep your nitrates in check.

Personally I don't see the point in doing small regular water changes. Once you have your water changing gear out you may as well go the whole nine yards and do a biggy.

If you do start doing larger water changes just ensure that you observe your fish, and of course amend the amount of dechlorinator you use too.

 

[Backfromthedead]

I would just do more water changes at 50%. Instead of once every 2 weeks more like 3-4 wc every 2 weeks. For now i would change 50% every other day until your water parameters are how you want them, then set a schedule from that point based on your water testing.

 

[Karalak42]

Ok thank you all. Il try 50 percent a week and a day less feeding for now then

 

[jjohnwm]

I think you have a great idea about emptying the tank down to only 10 or 20 percent full; I would do it every week, and then just fill it back up with fresh clean water of the correct temperature, de-chlorinated of course if necessary, and then sit back and enjoy my fish.

Like Esox said, once you have all your water changing stuff set up and ready to go, might as well get the most bang for your buck. Do it weekly; the only possible shock will be to you, when you see how quickly your water parameters improve and how stable they will then remain. Your fish will love it.

 

[Karalak42]

I think you have a great idea about emptying the tank down to only 10 or 20 percent full; I would do it every week, and then just fill it back up with fresh clean water of the correct temperature, de-chlorinated of course if necessary, and then sit back and enjoy my fish.

Like Esox said, once you have all your water changing stuff set up and ready to go, might as well get the most bang for your buck. Do it weekly; the only possible shock will be to you, when you see how quickly your water parameters improve and how stable they will then remain. Your fish will love it.

OK thx yea il try it

 

[Jexnell]

The four years I had this guy he got 75% water changes every three days. What I got for my troubles a very active healthy fish.
Just make sure you use enough declorinator for the entire water volume not just what you change.