Water Changes

[Fantail_John]

Hi Guys and gals

Just getting some info before I start planing my low tec plants for a beginner so it will be just ferns and moss's, swords etc, just to start off will be planting in substance gravel and tie on logs and stones. I been reading a few things but can't understand the water changes, as getting different change times and days, but a few websites says, Non co2 tank 30% once a month, If this is right, why once a month is it to make your substance, can't find the word good for the plants, with all the food and waste the fish make? also any other information regarding low tec plants, like do i need liquid fertilisers or anything else to have more luck in growing.

Your replies will be most welcome and noted down

 

[SLIM]

When my tank was low-tech, i just did the normal 25/30% water change weekly

 

[KittyKat]

If you're trying for just a "normal, planted community, 10-30% per week is right. If you're really aiming for a true low-tech, heavily planted tank, expect to only top up.

The rest really depends on what you're aiming for.

 

[Fantail_John]

If you're trying for just a "normal, planted community, 10-30% per week is right. If you're really aiming for a true low-tech, heavily planted tank, expect to only top up.

The rest really depends on what you're aiming for.

It will start off normal planted, but will be building up slowly for a fully true low tec, just looking in to a low flooring and riccia I have been told will be good? and will be putting some Dwarf water lettuce in for my gouramis. To my other question in my post do I need anything else to maintain a low tec planted tank?

 

[ATK!!!]

You may choose to add Macro or micro fertilisers depending how heavily you are stocking it. If you have many fish in there, the plants will benefit from their waste which can negotiate the need of ferts, otherwise TPN+ is a very good Macro+ Micro nutrient product. You wouldn't need to put in as much as in a high light, CO2 tank though.

 

[Fantail_John]

You may choose to add Macro or micro fertilisers depending how heavily you are stocking it. If you have many fish in there, the plants will benefit from their waste which can negotiate the need of ferts, otherwise TPN+ is a very good Macro+ Micro nutrient product. You wouldn't need to put in as much as in a high light, CO2 tank though.

Thank you for the information have made notes now if finding them, as in this town you can't find nothing you want, so ebay is my shopping centre, most of the time any other info will be kindly received

 

[ian]

If you're using TPN+, you'd have to look at adding some C02 as well, this takes you out of low tech.

the best way to start this is, what lighting do you have above the tank, in watts?

 

[Fantail_John]

I don't know at hand just had a look but the watts most be on the other side, but it is very bright, but I'm sure it's 60 watts, as at the time I got the tank I told the shop keeper that I will be growing real plants, this was over 2 years ago and just starting now

Not messing around with co2 for now, so will the other TPN do? not the plus or some other fertilizer?

 

[ian]

sorry and how big is the tank?

 

[KittyKat]

..and have you ever replaced the bulbs?

 

[Fantail_John]

..and have you ever replaced the bulbs?

Never replaced, but if I need to not a big job my tank holds 25g, and your welcome to come back with any info as this is how you learn and I like to see if I can get information in any thing I do with my tanks! I had no problems at all with my tank or fish for over 2 years.

 

[KittyKat]

..and have you ever replaced the bulbs?

Never replaced, but if I need to not a big job

There's probably no need to, although the light output would have considerably reduced compared to a new bulb. When you do replace, I highly recommend a cool daylight bulb, such as colour 865 from Osram or Philips.. they are usually a fraction of the price of aquarium bulbs and work just as well.

 

[Fantail_John]

Reading another thread about plants and water changes,say you need to do 50% a week in a full planted take? is this only for people with co2 and using fertilisers etc? and with low tec plants, you only do top ups water changes to get the fish waste etc to turn in to the fertilisers? please can some one explain, why some people do 50% or more a week and others only do little or top ups. Your advice will be most welcomed

 

[KittyKat]

Reading another thread about plants and water changes,say you need to do 50% a week in a full planted take? is this only for people with co2 and using fertilisers etc? and with low tec plants, you only do top ups water changes to get the fish waste etc to turn in to the fertilisers? please can some one explain, why some people do 50% or more a week and others only do little or top ups. Your advice will be most welcomed

From what I understand, this is for tanks where one overdoses on the fertiliser, so water changes are needed to remove excess left-overs or it would just accumulate to the point where it will harm fish and plants.

Water changes on unplanted tanks are most often used to "reset" nitrate and remove fish crap, but this is not always needed with planted tanks. Also, water changes can be used to remove hormones from water, which is most useful for growing fry, as they release growth-stunting hormones.

There are a few other reasons for water changes too, but those are the main ones I can think of right now.

 

[RadaR]

Reading another thread about plants and water changes,say you need to do 50% a week in a full planted take? is this only for people with co2 and using fertilisers etc? and with low tec plants, you only do top ups water changes to get the fish waste etc to turn in to the fertilisers? please can some one explain, why some people do 50% or more a week and others only do little or top ups. Your advice will be most welcomed

From what I understand, this is for tanks where one overdoses on the fertiliser, so water changes are needed to remove excess left-overs or it would just accumulate to the point where it will harm fish and plants.

Lots of folks reiterate this but its actually due to the increased production of metabollic waste from the plants in CO2 enriched tanks. You even see this in EI articles but it's nothing to do with resetting the nutrient levels because after all we have nothing to fear from them.

Link 1
Link 2
Both provide a better explanation than what I could give.