how regular should i do water changes

[dolly_daydream]

hi
can you please settle a argument for me i do a 30% water change every week all the books i have read and stuff on the internet said that this is ok and it should be done ,,but my brother says a 10%water change once a month is all you need to do as if you do a change every week it stresses the fish and once its cycled you only need to do it once a month i still say once a week whos correct
thanks in advance

 

[The-Wolf]

I personally do a 20-25% weekly
HTH

 

[dolly_daydream]

I personally do a 20-25% weekly
HTH

hi
thanks for your reply any one else want to give me there opinions
thanks

 

[Arfie]

I personally do a 20-25% weekly
HTH

Same here, but more if readings are off or water looks cloudy.

Arfie

 

[Inchworm]

Hi dolly_daydream

Fish need lots of fresh and clean water to thrive. Doing regular, and substantial water changes is the way to be sure they live in a healthy environment.

You may open the windows and pick up the junk and clutter that accumulates around your house, but you would still want to wash the dishes and flush the toilet, wouldn't you? It's the same with your tank. Bacteria will build up from uneaten food and fish wastes and they must be removed during regular water changes.

 

[skimpy]

Yep I agree.

Personally i do a 20 litre change each week (for me that equals 28%)

So sorry to you brother but you win

 

[canarsie11]

I do about 25% twice a week on my 75 gallon.

Once a week on the 10 gallon

 

[MAM]

just to add: i do a weekly water change of 20-40%, depending on the tank, and how dirty it is (the large tank has some major waste producers so i do a larger water change). i've let them go a week or two before........ always regret it. even lost fish to it.

as inchy pointed out, and you should point out to your brother, fish don't have the luxury of indoor plumbing or garbage cans outside, they have to swim with all their waste and uneaten/rotting foods............... can you imagine that in your own home?? ewww.................................... brings the need for weekly water changes into perspective....

 

[RYO]

25% twice a week for me cos my othe tank aint ready lol

 

[robbrouse]

I do at least 25% a week. As others have said if I see a reason to do more I will. I ahve 3 tanks and I have them where I only need to do one tank (the 55 gallon) one week and then I do the 2 smaller (a 10 anda 20) the next. If my reading are ever off I'll do a water change then and there.

I start off with a fishless cycle and after I add the first round of fish to the tank I'll do water changes ever 3 days for about 2 weeks just to be safe.

I think everyone will have a way that works for them, but you are right and your bro is wrong, then need a lot more than 10% a month. I think the smallest amount you could be safe with is 25% ever other week. Just my thoughts.

Robb

 

[dolly_daydream]

thanks everyone for your replys ive sent him this link by email, i was worried there for a second i thought i was stressing my fish,
claire

 

[Teelie]

About 30% every two weeks but I have low maintenence, low waste producing fish so I can get away with it more easily.

 

[clutterydrawer]

Ask your brother where he got this 10%/month figure from, and how he explains he fact that *all* fishkeeping books and websites recommend more.

I do 25% weekly, but it depends on the individual tank. For most, 20-25% weekly is adequate.

 

[MXPX4318]

yeah I do a 20% change whenever I feel like it, usually 2 times a week minimum, it's so easy to hook up my python seeing as the facuet is the next room over and then it only takes like 5 minutes max to change (and that's for two tanks) so yeah never been an inconvienece so I change it 2 times a week, more if I'm just in the mood to be extra nice to the fishies.

 

[David]

40-50% weekly cause I have a discus. I should do it twice weekly, but I'm bad. )