Water Changes

[lemond68]

This seems like an obvious beginner question but here it goes nonetheless:

From all the postings, books and FAQs on aquariums I gather that water changes should be done weekly or semi weekly; however, if the ph is stable (7.4) and the NH3/NH4 = 0ppm, NO2- = 0ppm, NO3- = 10-20 ppm and the fish look "happy" and colorful do I need to do further water changes in a fully cycled (I believe) tank that frequently?

I have a 55 gallon (208 L) tank

 

[WILDER]

http/semperficichlids.freewebsitehosting.com/tanks.html

 

[big mick]

Yes, weekly water changes are best......I do 3 25% water changes a week but thats because I choose to but I wouldnt do less than one a week to avoid problems.

 

[The-Wolf]

I found this guide that should help you
http/www.sera.de/English/autoframe.htm?u...dukte/vipan.htm
Click on the following links in the site (I hate sites with frames)
guides... Natural aquarium matainance.... partial water change... part ii
and you should see the chart and calculator

HTH

 

[cujoho78]

Hi. In my opinion, if your ammonia and nitrIte are both zero, and your nitrAtes are 20ppm or less, then i would say you could wait to do a partial water change. How often do you do water changes now? If you've been doing them once a week, try waiting two weeks and see what the nitrAte readings are. I kind of let my tank tell me when to change the water. Obviously if it's been 3 or 4 weeks, you should probably change some water. Everybody's tank is different so you kind of have to figure out what works for you.

 

[lemond68]

Hi. In my opinion, if your ammonia and nitrIte are both zero, and your nitrAtes are 20ppm or less, then i would say you could wait to do a partial water change. How often do you do water changes now? If you've been doing them once a week, try waiting two weeks and see what the nitrAte readings are. I kind of let my tank tell me when to change the water. Obviously if it's been 3 or 4 weeks, you should probably change some water. Everybody's tank is different so you kind of have to figure out what works for you.

It has been 2-3 weeks since my last water change... and I got great numbers so I was not sure if waiting was ok? I read the websites listed in the previous posts and it seems that there are other issues besides nitrogen cycle that are affected by water changes.