WC & Filter Question

[H]-[H]

How frequent should I do water change in my 65g tank?
Also, is my simple HOB filter that comes with the tank sufficient? or do I need another filter?

 

[Malawi-]

Depdends on how many fish you have, what do you have? No its not enough, get atleast 1 more... Another HOB, Emperor 400 and/or a canister filter.

 

[H]-[H]

I've asian aro, ck, flowerhorn, cray & senegal bichir..
Dunno if there's any emperor 400 sold here.. but it looks very big.. can it even fit?

 

[Malawi-]

Should be able to, just measure your tank.. Well you could always order it online.. If not get any HOB filter you can and a canister filter...

 

[H]-[H]

What about wc? How often?

 

[TwistedPenguin]

As often as you need to in order to keep nitrates below 20 ppm basically. In your case it's probably going to mean a 50-60% water change once a week while the fish are small. So much depends on how much you feed and the size of the fish though. Get a liquid test kit for your water, it's your best friend.

 

[Potts050]

As often as you need to in order to keep nitrates below 20 ppm basically. In your case it's probably going to mean a 50-60% water change once a week while the fish are small. So much depends on how much you feed and the size of the fish though. Get a liquid test kit for your water, it's your best friend.

50-60 % water change weekly sounds very high. 15-25 % is more likely. In any case I agree with testing the water before and a few hours after you change the water until you get a good feel for how much you need to change.

Smaller sized water changes done more frequently are a better way to go. Less stress on the fish.

 

[Malawi-]

Depending on the tank and filtration, in your case, you have poor filtration so one a week is the minimum. 20% should be enough, larger WC's are when there is a problem with the water quality such as high Nitrates..

 

[crisper]

50-60 % water change weekly sounds very high. 15-25 % is more likely. In any case I agree with testing the water before and a few hours after you change the water until you get a good feel for how much you need to change.

Smaller sized water changes done more frequently are a better way to go. Less stress on the fish.

Agreed and a second filter should be a must. Hope you have a bigger tank for your fish. They are going to outgrow your tank quick.

 

[TwistedPenguin]

That's what I've always done on my tanks without problems but you're right-tap water quality and chemistry are going to be different for everyone. I do 2 65% water changes twice a week on my Oscar tanks. I'm lucky enough to have well water though. I don't have to mess with dechlorinators, etc. I do believe if WC's are done weekly there should be no problem whatsoever with doing a 50%, it should very closely match the tank water conditions.