Partial Water Changes

[zelandonia]

Hi All,

I am having to do small daily partial water changed to bring down my nitrites. Unfortunately, I only learned about cycling and fishless cycling after I brought everything home. Anyway, my heater has a max water line and a min water line. Do you think it matters if the water level goes below the minimum water line during the few minutes I am doing the partial water change? Should I unplug the heater before I start? Also, when you vacuum the gravel do you just lightly skim over the surface to pick up a few bits at a time or is it necessary to press down more deeply into the gravel? Thanks in advance for your help!

z.

 

[Bol]

I would unplug the heater.

If you're still 'cycling', then personally I wouldn't vacuum the gravel too thoroughly -- I'd just skim it. I don't think it really matters much, though, unless you have a very strong siphon.

 

[FishDan]

Be careful with your heater, it may just depend on the quality and it may be a matter of time before it breaks. I always unplug mine before water changes and then wait at least 10 minutes. Better to be safe than have dead fish due to a burst heater.

When vacuuming gravel you should press into the gravel and vacuum deeply at least once a month, perhaps two months depending on the amount you feed and thus the amount of waste. With gravel, much of the waste sinks down between the rocks and decays, causing ammonia/nitrite problems. An occassional "deep clean" will prevent this. It doesn't need to be done at each water change, but it should be done every couple months at the least.

\Dan

 

[CFC]

Always disconnect all electrical equipment before carrying out any maintainance in the tank, water and electricity are not a good combination and although rare shocks from tank equipment can be fatal.