Water Change! How Often? How Much? Why do Them at All?
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 2 авг 2024
- #waterchanges
#aquariummaintenance
Water changes. We all do them (well, most of us do...) but everyone seems to have developed their own routine. If it's working for you, don't mess with success. But how much should we be changing? How often and why should we do it that way?
Here I share with you what's working for me and what other's have said is working for them.
Hear what we all have to say and then add to the conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comment section below. We are always learning from each other on this channel.
Support the channel by using this link to get to Amazon: Amazon.com/shop/benochart - qualified purchases, in or outside of my store, gives the channel a small credit.
Pick up channel merchandise like mugs, hoodies and tee’s at my Teespring store here: ben-ocharts-store.creator-spr...
Join the “Garage Gang” and become a Patreon member. Go here for details: www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=13...
Thanks for tuning in and if you would like to connect with a friendly and helpful group of fish keepers, consider joining the Facebook group: "Ben O'Cichlid"
Sure, "cichlid" is in the name but it welcomes ALL types of fish keepers from beginner to advanced. Be sure to answer the join-in questions so the Admins let you in (it's how we keep the trolls and bots out).
For behind the scenes pictures and videos, follow me on Instagram at: ben.o.cichlid
Here are some links to products I've used and recommend:
(You get a great deal by using these links and help the channel:
Filters:
SunSun 302-B (265 gph): amzn.to/2Y6Ylhy
SunSun 704-B (525 gph with UV): amzn.to/2YFbHjV
SunSun HW 3000 (793 with UV): amzn.to/3hCm54W
Filter pads for all SunSun filters: amzn.to/30Ieg7E
Cut your own filter pads: amzn.to/2zD6SiP
SunSun Pre-Filter (goes over intake): amzn.to/3fv6aU1
Flexible hose cleaning brush: amzn.to/2N5x8p7
SunSun Pre-Filter (In-Line Canister): amzn.to/2UQ79WX
SunSun Canister O-Ring replacement: amzn.to/2BhU7uf
SunSun UV 9W replacement bulb: amzn.to/2N0eoHB
Suggested Bio Media that I use in my canisters:
Biohome Ultimate: amzn.to/3e8Cs70
MarinePure: amzn.to/37z9UB7
CNZ sponge filled bio-balls: amzn.to/3e7aitd
Pumice stone: amzn.to/2Y6vk5t
Crushed coral/aragonite: amzn.to/2N6DYKM
Chemical Filtration I've Used with Good Results:
Seachem Purigen: amzn.to/3hCygyG
Seachem Matrix Carbon: amzn.to/2Y6sOft
Mesh bags: amzn.to/2AJb4hj
Fluval FX-6 Canister Filter: amzn.to/30KhPu1
Other items:
Suggested substrate (aragonite): amzn.to/2N6DYKM
My favorite LED lights: amzn.to/2N0YrRd
Inexpensive Powerheads: amzn.to/2N5dTMu
Better quality Powerhead (Hydor): amzn.to/37y8pTT
Heaters I use:
Eheim: amzn.to/3e2PByp
Cobalt Neo Therm: amzn.to/2N5eFZU
API (Black Plastic Shielded): amzn.to/3e8HujY
Recommended Meds to have on hand:
Fritz Maracyn 2: amzn.to/2UJRqJ1
API Furan 2: amzn.to/2N10iWb
API General Cure: amzn.to/3ejsFLe
Kordon Ick Attack: amzn.to/37A2iOF
Seachem Metroplex: amzn.to/2N5g9TY
Seachem Garlic Guard: amzn.to/2N3W549
Seachem Focus: amzn.to/2Ax8yef
Water Treatment Products I Use & Recommend:
Seachem Prime: amzn.to/37xa1gD
Seachem Safe: amzn.to/3d7Tscn
Seachem Lake Salt: amzn.to/30PeQ3A
Seachem Pristine: amzn.to/3ejvEDq
Seachem Clarity: amzn.to/2CdDCA4
Aquarium Quick Start Products I Recommend:
Seachem Stability: amzn.to/3e2SgYS
Fritz Turbo Start: amzn.to/3d7UXr1
Dr. Tim's One and Only: amzn.to/2CdEFju
For more fish keeping videos with tricks, tips and hacks, check out these playlists:
For "My Best Fish Keeping Tips" click here:
• "Best Fish Keeping Tip...
For tips and tricks with Fluval FX canister filters go here:
• Fluval FX Canister Fil...
For tips and tricks with SunSun canister filters go here:
• SunSun Canister Filter...
For videos on water changes and controlling nitrates, click here:
• Water Change, Maintain...
For videos on general canister filter maintenance, click here:
• Aquarium Canister Filt...
My Top 10 most popular videos of all time:
• Most Popular Videos wi...
Help support the future of our hobby by joining and supporting the American Cichlid Association here: cichlid.org
Thank you for the logo video Phil Griffiths, "Mr. Chips" on Facebook.
I think you know, maybe I say it too much ... but ... I'll say it again ...
YOU ROCK MY FRIEND! 
Животные
![My 5 Tips for Reducing Nitrates [THESE WORK!] - Stop Worrying About Nitrates!](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XJQ36kOQqPQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Want more tips and tricks to care for your fish? Check out these playlists!
Best Fish Keeping Tips Playlist is here: ruclips.net/p/PLr8ew8o8WXoDLeItfzOiRG8DV-1W9qNX4
Lowering and Controlling Nitrates Playlist is here: ruclips.net/p/PLr8ew8o8WXoD-pzZaHgtIFqurG9HZn2zz
Every Live Stream is Here: ruclips.net/p/PLr8ew8o8WXoApHjaPfc6rdr7oipfEbZ-k
The Water Change Tips & Tricks Playlist is here: ruclips.net/p/PLr8ew8o8WXoCdEYkD0rQa0OWejFk5-bHD
SunSun Canister Filter Playlist is here: ruclips.net/p/PLr8ew8o8WXoCiMWEpBFJFJGxTqJH_MdMg
Fluval Canister Filter Playlist is here: ruclips.net/p/PLr8ew8o8WXoC8gSuqdG1c4nOzlAMFTmiD
I know Im randomly asking but does anyone know of a method to log back into an Instagram account?
I was stupid lost the login password. I love any assistance you can give me.
@Johnny Ricardo Instablaster =)
@Hamza Jaxx Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site through google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff atm.
Takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.
@Hamza Jaxx it worked and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy:D
Thanks so much, you saved my ass !
Your channel has excellent advice that I appreciate because you are honest and share multiple and differing views about nuanced topics like water changes, were a lot of factors have to be weighed carefully against one another. Thanks. I'm really enjoying this channel!
Thank you, this is a very enlightening video for me. About four years ago, I discovered that my aquarium crashes were related to low PH. I went through a phase of losing many tanks so I did some research. This is why all my freshwater tanks have sea shells in them. The Only PH crash I had since then was on a tank where the sea shells were almost all dissolved.
Our water is pretty soft here, but when I run it through the RV filter, it comes out even softer. The crashes were occurring as quickly as one to two months. Since adding sea shells, my crashes were related to a heater locking in the on position and a bacteria soap-scum on the surface of one of my tanks.
Water Changes:
I do water changes randomly, and have gone 6 months or more between changes in well established tanks. When I do water changes I do them to vacuum the gravel. I plan the changes to be made when I have low water due to evaporation and I vacuum out about 4 gallons from each of my 20, 30 and 55 gallon tanks. I take about 2+ gallons from my 10 gallon. Except for the 10, it takes 5 gallons or more water to level the tanks back.
I also tend to over plant and not over stock fish. Overstocked aquariums tend to need much more gravel cleaning than under stocked tanks. I'm getting lazy in my old age and I'm looking for low-maintenance tanks now.
Needless to say, cichlids and other varieties of fish don't do well in my care methods. My method of stocking tanks now, is to set up the tank, read the parameters and then research and choose fish compatible to my tank parameters.
Again, I say "Thank you."
I love these types of videos, I’m a total nerd 🤓 and enjoy learning about this subject. Even though I’ve kept fish most of my life I’m still learning something everyday! Great video my friend
Thank you LL4Fish. I always say, "Always be learning." The second we stop learning we start getting stupid. Thanks for supporting the channel!
Ben Ochart so very true!!!!! You always have great content!!! Plus beautiful fish amigo !
Wow, major flashback to chemistry class oh so many decades ago. At least now I care enough to hopefully learn something here. Thank You for all your knowledge and information. Greatly appreciated.
Thinking about taking a chemistry class for my science college credits to help me understand this better.
How I do it is, in the beginning, I check the nitrate creep early and often. When they hit 20ppm, I do a water change big enough to get them back down to 0 - 5ppm. I do this until I can determine a routine. Depending on the water volume and stocking, that could mean I'm doing a 20% water change every two weeks or an 80% water change twice a week. Once the stocking is stable and the aquarium is seasoned, I only test if I see a problem.
I generally do a 30% water change in my 20gal once every two weeks, adding a tablespoon of aquarium salts every other water change, and my fish are all happy and healthy. I also have a fair number of plants, and an AquaClear filter as well.
I Do same on 90 gal . 30% every 2 weeks & salt..
New to the hobby. Enjoy your videos. You speak slow and clearly to where I can follow you. Thank you for not screaming and waving your arms around like a fool.
Great video! Consistency is the key. Whatever you choose for maintenance, be consistent.
Thank you Seth. You know I agree. The fish seem to know when it's maintenace time and seem pretty chill when I do it, like they've gotten used to the schedule.
Thank you Ben for the informative information I always appreciated. And thank you also for taking the time to help all of us fish Keeper's, to motivate us Chowan to never give up when I love . We all need to stay close together with the hobby, kind of like a schooling fish, we all should school together LOL. Oh did I forget to mention... You have an extremely captivating smile 😊
thank you Michael
Nice collection and helpful video I have 3 Jack Dempsey’s had them for 2 weeks this video was helpful to me 👌🏿
Wooooo! I made it on the Ben ochart show! 😆
Well, you can scratch that off you bucket list Kevin, LOL!!! Thanks for being a loyal supporter my friend.
Thank you for the info Sir ..
Btw I really can’t get over of your nice soothing voice maybe I’m a fan of The late Kenny Rogers.. keep safe Sir and God bless 🙏❤️
You nailed it again my friend! Very nice content! Carry on!
Thank you Rely, much appreciated!
Depending of readings, I generally don't change the water often. I use heavy plants and add essential minerals.
Your plants are doing the work for you. Unfortunately any plants I put in a big African cichlid tank gets turned into a green smoothie within 48 hours.
Hi i do water change weekly 30% the drink water here in the Netherlands is just perfect, only problem is algea on the rocks for the rest very good.Keep on posting, iam learning, thanks
Hello Hans! Algae (green algae) is a bad thing since it can add oxygen and reduce nitrates. Of course it can be distracting on the front glass panel and I certainly don't like the brown/black/red varieties of algae. Thank you for watching and commenting.
Another great video Ben!! Keep up the good work!
Thank you Greg, I'll try and I appreciate the kind words of encouragement.
awsome video thanks for putting this up
Ben I learned a few things on the water change I did know it helped lower nitrate but was unaware of the change in pH and the affects on the fish such as flashing and stress .I always thought they kinda enjoyed it .I always have nitrate as that's how it comes out the tap but Sunday was my all time low reading after a week before I changed my water was at 15 to 20 and is 10 out the tap usually .thanks love the videos and the group such a awesome job .
Thank yo Bob. It sounds like your tank is really settling in at a nice level. Just watch if you have a jump in the number of fish but it sounds perfect for now.
Great vid braddah love hearing different opinions on this subject thanks braddah much love and aloha 🤙🏽🐠🤙🏽
Aloha and thank you for stopping by!
I have a 1 gallon fish bowl with no filter for my Betta fish. I do 20% water change everyday using a syphon.
This video help me out so much thank you!
Hello Ben. That was another excellent video, especially because you shared so many other comments by African Chichlid keepers. I can share a particularly interesting juxtaposition of water change habits between the tanks i care for at home & those i care for at my job. Although i live in Staten Island, NYC, i teach at a large public high school in Brooklyn, NYC & i take care of multiple tanks in both locations(all African Chichlids). At home, for three 40 gallon breeders, i probably do nearly 50% once every 10 days on tanks with very large sponge filters(125 gallon ones) & an aquaclear 70 h.o.b. per tank. Each of those are grow out tanks with anywhere from 20-30 juveniles per tank. I feed each of those around 3 times from afternoon to evening time. I hardly ever test the water & judge them by their colors, activity and whether or not they're eating. On the other hand, at the school where i work in south Brooklyn, we have a 90 gallon(2 hob & a canister), 55 gallon(1 hob & a sponge filter) , 15 gallon(sponge filter) & a 270 gallon tank (with a sump system, large canister and large sponge filter). The 270 is in the lobby of our school & although it looks fantastic in this location, it's a nightmare for water changes because of the proximity to water. In order to do water changes on the 270, i need to use an electric pump to pump the water out of a first floor window about 50 feet away from the tank & then refill it from a hose spicket outside of the window in our garden. During the winter months, the water outside becomes very cold & logistically, due to the school schedule, it becomes hard to schedule a water change sometimes. I can admit, that although i have to add water to the tank at least once per week, it has gone as long as 4-5 months without a large water change. Now, with that being said, the fish in that tank are not fed nearly as much as the ones at home because I'm not there on weekends and i only feed them in the afternoon before i leave. The 270 is a mixture of around 40-50 varying sizes of haps, peacocks and mbunas. The fish keep on feeding, breeding & looking great. Due to occasional budgetary issues in school, i also stopped using any water conditions or treatments & the fish are still fine. Is it just a testament to the true hardiness of the African Cichlids? I don't know. Thanks again for your videos Ben!
Wow, that's amazing. It makes me think that between the sump, canister and sponge filter in that 270 (along with decor and substrate) you have a massive amount of beneficial bacteria working real hard for you. Also, when you had the 270 gal's to the water in the sump, you are no doubt over 300 gal's and that's a lot of water that can dilute ammonia, nitrite and nitrates. The kids must love it. Thanks for the comment!
I change once every two weeks and only 25%. Well planted tank; moderately stocked. I use the waste water for house plants and man they do good!
Hi Ben love your videos I have a 75g with about 30 juveniles I do 30% water changes every 4 days I use biohome I got from pondguru nitrates always low under 10 tank and fish look great when I was starting with Cichlid your videos were a great help
You have an awesome collection of african cichilds. I like your in depth explaination of a water changes. Thanks for sharing😊👍🏻
Thank you for watching wils!
Your intro was very informative. Great info. When you do the video you mentioned you might also include info on TDS. Thanks for the video.
Yes, in an upcoming video I want to simplify TDS, KH, GH and pH (or at least try to). Thanks!
Hi Ben, great video and topic! I generally do a 50-60% water change on my Malawi fish every 5-6 days and sometimes even more often. Much of it has to do with Nitrate levels and water clarity. I also have time to do it more frequently because as you already knew, I am partially disabled and I am no longer working. I also want to remove excess hormone levels and re-mineralize the water as my water is soft here for Africans and I have to supplement during water changes. For my Tanganyikan fish, it is always recommended that smaller 25-30% water changes are performed weekly, as they cannot tolerate large swings in total water parameters and Nitrates must stay at or below 20ppm. Anyways, I’m picking up two pair of wild caught Tanganyikan Gold Head Compressiceps in just a few days, and I have already gotten a tank ready for them. Thanks very much for sharing 👍.
Denny's Aquatics I should have mentioned the hormone aspect which can trigger a lot with certain fish.
Post a video on those gold heads, they sound awesome.
drop some calcium tablets in your filters!
Hi Love your videos i find them very informative and extreamly well presented
I just recently set up a 105 gallon tank with a 21 gallon sump with 3 cichlids 1 pleco and 2 Oscars. all small under 2 inches . Been running about 4 days now i know it will take 4 to 6 weeks for bacteria to build up in the sump
My question doing water changes & vacuuming how often should i do these and will this slow down my bacteria growth
Here in Southern California? Did I just jump in the Hot Tub Time Machine? 😂
As it turns out, yes... yes I did! 😮😂
Great video, great topic, yeah here 60% twice a week because nitrate problem, if I do 60% w/c on Monday nitrate goes to 10-20 and by Friday is on 40ppm plus
Well Efrain, your fish and tank look great so I wouldn't change anything. Thanks for watching my friend.
Lots of great advice there are a lot of factors like you mentioned Ben. Bio load, tap water levels, substraight type. And type of fish. Each tank has its own micro biosphere. Each person has to figure out what works well for them. Water change is essential like you said to replace lost minerals and such. The same as a like gets replenished from a rain storm or spring. If you have tropical fish you almost have to become a hydrologist or marine biologist. Again fantastic post Ben always look forward to your videos.
I'm not sure water changes are essential. minerals (salts ) aren't lost from a system (salts remain in the system as water drops the mineral concentration increases, thus when reefers add water they add RO to their systems to reduce the salt concentration)
Also generally rain water is very soft and does mineralise water
You're right Marvin, each is its own micro biosphere and once we dial it in we've won a big part of the battle. Thanks for tuning in!
MARK COPLEY I'm a bit confused on one point, doesn't "soft" mean not mineral rich? But you say "rain water is very soft and does mineralise water". Maybe soft water and hard water have characteristics that I'm not aware of?
I've been waiting for you to discuss waterhardness kh and gh.
Looking forward to it ! Thank you ben
You're welcome Matt. I have an understanding of those issues (kh, gh etc) but will be digging in deeper before making a video. Stay tuned, it will be out in a couple weeks or so.
Thank you ben!!
Hoi Ben
Thank you for your reaction, brown/ black algea, more or less intensity of light, or less time light
Groetjes Hans
You have the best advice on fish keeping. Especially water chemistry. I use test strips everyday to give me a clue. I don't trust them, but they are a good indicator. If something looks wrong I pull out the test kit. I think water changes over 50% is not useful unless the tank has crashed. Ben, try to get your followers to get rid of those dammed canister filters and use a sump. You have a wonderful video on just that subject I think.
I also do minimal disturbing of my fish. I vacuum out the debris, waste and excess food every few days. Over filter, use power heads and keep waste and excrement down and you should normally just have to add small amounts of water to keep up your level. 6 cichlids and a pleco, all very happy and active. Another note, I mix in live earthworm feedings whenever it rains out. No floating waste and they really seem to love worm tug of war. Haha
That would be a funny thing to see, an earthworm tug of war. What is the size of your tank?
No point in asking what others do for a water change, no tank is the same. Nitrate test is the only way to tell when and how often its needed
thaks for the info
Great vid, Ben! On my 125 African Cichlid tank, I do 25% water changes once every week. Two Sunsuns: 704b and 3000 series. Nitrates tend to stay between 15 and 20 ppm, but will creep up to around 30 if I don’t stay on schedule.
Thank you GFG. What do you think of that 3000 series?
Hey, Ben! I’m truly enjoying it. I like that i can put my UV sterilizer on a schedule and adjust the motor speed to allow for longer water contact with the media, if i choose. Thumbs up for sure!
Is 20 ppm okay for a tropical fish tank? I've been looking and reading all over the internet and I haven't found much, I've tried lowering it but there are nitrates in my tap water from what I saw when I tested up to 5 ppm so if I do a water change of 50 percent then my nitrates go down to 15 ppm
Another good video Ben !! My giant sump keeps my nitrates down at the 5.0 between water changes. I do weekly 20% changes ( 200 gallons ), but the nitrates wont drift up even if I have to wait 3 weeks. I totally agree about the minerals.. Also, I had mentioned my catalytic carbon home water filter system.. It does remove chlorine and chloramine and sediment, however I did learn it doesn't remove heavy metals, which caused me some unnecessary fish stress, for a few weeks. So Im still going to add Kordon Novaqua to remove the heavy metals. Fishkeeping isn't just a Hobby, Its a lifestyle !!
Is your tank 200 gal or is your sump 200 gal. If you have a 200 gal sump ... that would be one epic dilution of ppm. No kidding on the lifestyle comment.
Thanks for message back sir.. The 20% water change is 200 gallons.. My sump is 210 gallons total volume, with 2 media towers at 24" x 16" x 16".. I run the sump at 2/3 full ( 140 gallons ).. My tank volume is 1000 gallons. I run a 5000 gph pond pump, for slightly under 5x turnover..
I add to replace evaporated water, which in the winter can be about 10% every week and change 30% of the water every three weeks. My 36 Gallon is heavily planted and under stocked so this has worked for me.
I have two fx6 working in 150 gal tank, I do water changes once a month. I just checked parameters and everything was cero and nitrates 40 ppm. As a matter of fact I’m doing a water change right now. Happy thanksgiving 🦃
Good info, thanks.
I do 20% water change Twice a week and it is 50 Gallons Aquarium with around 10 swordtails
After keeping Marine tanks for years, I have learned that Less is More.
Test the water first, otherwise, you could be getting rid of good water for new water, {two different things}. On my 75g fresh, I generally do 10-20% every 1 --2 weeks as needed. After watching your canister filter foam set up video, my tank stays stable for a longer period. My Weather Loach ( Ron Burgandy) tunnels through the sand like a dune worm and keeps debris on top to be swept away quickly. I am glad that many of your viewers have not killed all their fish by doing such drastic water changes (IMHO). As I stated in the beginning, in Marine tanks, large changes kill fish usually. I enjoy the topics of your videos and am learning to chill as you describe your topics in that "Cali" Zen-Master cadence that so many like.
Great point! I find that fresh water guys, like me, have a lot to learn from those who keep saltwater tanks. I was glad to hear from someone who knows what a Dune worm is, LOL!
Thank you for watching and commenting!
I still have a lot to learn too like ph of water. I'll never know about this since I didn't have the tool.
What shocking your fish? I won't know about that either.
What's good and bad water?
Nope.
Nitrates? Hmm
Great Info Thanks
I have about 3 big sponge filters and haven't changed the water in over 5 months, but I do stir the water up once and a while
Great, informative video.
We have a 75gal and 29gal planted aquariums. We perform water change based on visual cues...detritus removal off black gravel, especially around the base of the plants and the corners. We've done as much as 15%, to as little as 5% water change per week. We have very hard water in our area, but, Chemistry readings have been relatively stable; pH 7.6, NO2 - 0 ppm, NO3 - 0 ppm, NH3/4 - 0 ppm, KH - 7 and GH at a whopping 24! We run an overflow sump (20gal.) in our 75g., with a U/V sterilizer through a 300/560 gph pump. The 29g., uses a Fluval 406 canister.
Oh this is good information because I am gonna have my first fish to take care of
I watch how it takes the bubbles from the air stone to break after moving across the water top. Also have Java fern for 40 years. Nitrates always zero.
Fish usually five years plus.. 20 gallons.
I try to do a 20-30% change once a week with a small gravel clean... and a full on total gravel vac once a month with a 50% water change...
That's a real sensible schedule. Really minimizes the stress on the fish. I like it!
what's the best way or kit used to test the water for accuracy and cost efficiency? seeing as testing is done quite regularly
Is it correct to assume that if ammonia level is high, then my tank water is more alkaline. In order to excrete some ammonia from the water, I try to get the aquarium to be more acidic eg by adding vinegar. Is this the correct mindset or not? Thks
I'm new to the hobby, I just did my first water change/gravel vac now, I've had the tank going on 3 months, I've got 2 rainbow shark, 1 African dwarf frog and a handful of other glow fish/tetras and a pleco for safe keeping lol, the fish are healthy and happy, adjusting to the new water change.. my question is what is water hardness and can you do a video on it please?
Sincerely,
-Christian Ayala.
You have absolutely gorgeous fish! Thanks for the info.
Thank you Walter and you're welcome!
Thank you Walter and you're welcome!
Think as long as the method u have is consistent you will be successful x
I do 20% weekly and 50-60 once every couple months . filters depends on type hang ons ever other month. in tanks once a month and external every 3-6 months.
I have also been reading that I have to do 20% water changes 4 times in the month and the last day of the same month do half a tank what do I d please
After a while, your tank is settled and clean, cycled, etc. It's nitrates alone that force weekly water changes...Ben you should do a deep dive video on bio media and anaerobic bacteria which is the only thing that keeps nitrates down...and thus less need for frequent water changes.
Yes, I just came across this one and it's pretty interesting stuff: ruclips.net/video/eZM5Lu6p2k0/видео.html
I change my tank water twice a week because I have a one gallon tank with a male betta. I do not want ammonia to be a problem. My betta really likes when I do a water change. He swims all over and makes bubble nests. I also have six moss balls in the tank.
Thanks for video, good topic. Starting to believe anaerobic bacteria is a myth I have ran many tests with the best filter media available and could not achieve this for up to a year. The best I can get is 3 weeks till my nitrates reach 40ppm then I do a 70% water change. The only thing that can remove nitrates that I know of is plants.
One fellow, I'll provide the link, used biohome and got the nitrates so low he had to start adding it to the aquarium for the plants. Here's the link to his video: ruclips.net/video/eZM5Lu6p2k0/видео.html Regarding plants, I see a lot of aquaponics showing up in fish rooms, but I hear that it takes a lot of plants to make a dent in the high volumne of waste put out by ACs. Thanks for watching VP!
Good work
20% every 10 days..Vacuuming the gravel and rinsing the filter media from my HOB filter with the water I siphoned out of the tank
If i was to use the service port on my fx4 to refill my tank during a water change straight from my garden hose using an adapter, would it harm the beneficial bacteria inside my filter? Would be using prime inside the tank but fill straight from the hose through the service/drain valve.
good video. Don't forget to check chlorine in your tap water. My water company "super charges" the water with chlorine and chloramine at times and the normal amount of dechlorinator will not neutralize all of it. Has caused chlorine burn on my tanks and others who have found the same variability in chlorine with their tap water. I talked to the guys in the lab at the water company and they stated that when their source water has higher than usual e:coli (due to rain, run-off, etc.) that is when they super chlorinate.
One other thing, my water company uses chloramine too, in addition to chlorine, which stick around longer within the tap water.
Hey John, good points. They've been using chloramine in SoCal for quite some time. Unlike chlorine the chloramine doesn't gas off, so we always have to treat for it. I'm not sure if the super chlorinate around here, especially with rain being so scarce. Regardless, I'm always treating new water with Prime or Safe and both neutralize them.
when you do a water change and test for nitrates afterwards how much of a drop ppm do you actually see, if any?
Pet co told me my nitrates were over 200ppm did a water change yesterday when is the earliest I can do my next water change?
I keep planted tanks, with under gravel filtration and have never done a water change with a tank of small fish; otherwise, I will do a 30% if needed with roseline sharks and one large gourami and tetras and a bristle nose pleco. I do check water parameters is I think about it; probably should check weekly to be sure whether or not to do a water change. Don’t wait fir a fish to die!
How often should I water change when cycling A planted tank with Amazonia substrate ????
Hi Ben...i have 55g w/ 14 cichlids and 1 pleco, fx4 as cannister filter. I do test the water parameters....my reading is 7.6(pH), 0 (am), 0 (no2) and 0 (no3)...I'm doing 25% once a week. Do I need to stretch it out or just continue doing what my H2O change schedule? Thanks and learning a lot from your channel...subscribed!!!
Good video and information. Subscribed.
Thank you Howard!
Good subject Ben, it's important to discuss it. in my 250gal, 32 adult fish (I had 46 sold some of them, a friend suggested me an offer that is hard to refuse lol), I change once a month about 30% It is minimal because in my country water is not abundant, 700 mm per year lol, very clean water pass all the tests, I have a huge sump with lots of good media 10 kilos BioHome Ultra, lots of plants in the tank and also in the sump,
Once a month 30%, that sump is doing a great job! Thank you for watching and commenting!
Ben Ochart Yes it does a great job, I have a lot of plants in the middle part it's about 20*25+ inches, there is a plastic mesh above all the media and on it there is gravel and in the gravel are the plants, And of course 10kg of bio home ultra does an excellent job lol, I saw your video a few months ago on this media, you mentioned pondguru, I checked his channel and saw some videos he explains about this media. he sent me a link and I bought 10KG. The shipment was not cheap but after about 5 months that it's in my samp, I can say it's worth it.
Very good info👍👍👍
Glad you think so!
Ben. Your videos are quite informative and I really envy ur knowledge of cichlid fish keeping. I do siphoning daily. I change around 50 percent every week in my 75g. I have around 15 fishes in there but half of them are around 5 inches plus
Thank you. That's a good number of fish for a 75. Your maintenance schedule sounds like a good one. Thank you for watching.
I have one experiment tank that I haven’t done a water change on in 11 months. No fish deaths, nitrates always below 20 ppm, it is heavily planted which aids in nitrate control, it’s medium stocked with a sponge filter. I feed well every day. Doesn’t house Africans, just various tropical species. My African cichlid tanks are heavily stocked, I feed every day, and I run 2 SunSun 304-b canister filter on each African tank. I change 50% bi-weekly..
I do 30% changes on my planted tanks twice weekly (Monday & Friday). That's my routine and I've been doing it that way for years. Is it the best way? I don't know. However, it works well for me.
From trial and error, every 2 weeks (never longer) absolutely 50% of total water in Tank + gravel vacuum, clean the slim on inside of glass.
once a week 8 tanks cheers sir great video !
Thank you David!
Hi Ben I have a heavily stocked cichlid tank so do 10% every day keeps my water clear and do my canister filters once a month do you think that’s to much or right my friend fish seem fine with it ?
I would never recommend changing a routine that is working.
Thanks 🙏 Ben 👍
So I have a 55 gallon tank with 15 Cichlids and a Fluval FX6 ( 400 gallons filter) I feed my fish 2 times a day, how often should I change the water ?
I do water changes every week once a week 50% is this the right think to do? I have lost 2 fish lately and googled it and said the resin I lost the fish was due to swim bladder is this true? Also i swirl my sand around to reveal any unseen food and suck it out is what I’m doing the right think to do? Please help me
Hi. Different/similar topic. I have a 55g planted tank with 6 congos, 5 bottlenose, and 22 harlequins. 1 Congo has been panting for about a week now and eating less than the others. I currently do 20% weekly changes. On a forum I've been recommended a 75% change by two people. I don't usually gravel vac because I have so much plant growth. I have very soft tap water ph 7.5. Would you recommend the large change also ? I'm worried it will stress all the other healthy fish.
Thanks.
Would love to see one on food, my fish love new life spectrum and hate north fin for some reason. Looking for some more vented suggestions
I did a fish food video a while back. Currently I feed NF Cichlid pellets, Piscine Energetics, ZooMed Spirulina flakes and Krill Pro from NF. My fish liked the NLS but I found it to be a bit messy.
Hi Ben! Do you add cichlid trace or seachem cichlid salt in your tanks? If yes how much do you use for your 60g tank 😊 thanks!
Yes. Seachem calls it Malawi Lake Salt but it's really just trace minerals and not salt like Epson salt or aquarium salt. I estimate I use (less than recommended) a heaping teaspoon each week with a water change.
Very good video Ben
Thank you
If my aquarium is clean and nothings out of whack, I'll do a 10% water change by vacuuming the gravel at least once every two weeks. I want to do at least one water change every 15 days that usually ends up to be close to 30% with filter and internal tank environment adjusts before, during, or after the water change. When I do a 50% or more water change, the whole fish population gets moved out of the tank along with all of the plants to either a temporary or permanent replacement fish tank. Transferring much of the fish tank contents to another tank allows me to rejuvenate the whole setup and prevent long term build up of undesirable waste materials in the old tanks that will be cleaned and ready to be the replacement tank next time I refresh the system again.
Hopefully my feeding schedule provides small meals more frequently than only giving one or two big meals for the fish while I use a higher capacity filter system that keeps the water clear within minutes of any interruption of the ecosystem. I don't medicate the fish during water changes but do them at least 24 hours after one.
Quite a routine you have developed there. If it's working for you and you have healthy stock, I think it's great!
Every Sunday I will do a water parameter test, and give the tank a good clean and water change normally about 20% if I nitrates then il do more but not had any dramas as of yet. Filter every month or just depending how dirty it seems and if plants have died ect
I have a one gallon tank with a male betta. I do water change every week. Add stress coat, heater and filter with a digital therm. My question is in a couple of days after doing the cleaning of the tank something is sticking to the heater and digital therm. I do not know what it is. Could it be the aloe vera sticking to the items? Could it be algae? The betta seems fine. Should I do a water change twice a week? Please respond. Thank you.
I do about 5% everyday. So that average about 30-40% per week. It’s a small community tank, under stocked, in a ten gallon. I am going to upgrade to a 20 gallon here in a few days. I want to add low plants and change the substrate.
I´ve tried to rebuilt a mostly natural habitat for my fishes. They like 5.5PH and Blackwater. I dimm the lights, heat the water up. Yes, i have just one sort of fish in my tank... i want to see them love their life. I don´t want to watch icebears under a microscope.
Where is the best place to buy water testing kits?
Hey Ben it’s amazing how many people are different on water changes I always say what ever works for you rule of thumb is 20% at least once a month. I never use tap water always filtered change main filters out about 5000 gals and inlet gets changed every 2 months. All my tanks get usually 40-50% every week because of bio load. Nursery tank 2 times a week just suck out poop and add water usually 10-20%. Cleaner water less problems that’s why most salt water tanks use RODI water
where does this rule of thumb come from?
salt water reefer use RO to top to keep the salinity constant
Refers use RODI so there’s no other trace elements being added except what they put in from salts or dosing more controlled. I don’t really know where the 20% every month just always heard from other fish keepers does make sense
If it's working for you Todd, I'd keep doing it. Thanks for stopping by!
Is a 20g Long with: 1 betta, 6neon tetras, 4 dwarf pseudomogul signifiers, 5 panda Cory’s, and 4 snails overstocked? I have about 13-14 plants in as well. I’m guessing it is so what percent water change does anyone recommend?
What do you recommend is the best product for testing the water? Those paper tabs with color don't seem accurate to me.
I've tried them all and Salifert seemed the easiest to read and most reliable. I use the strips when I want a quick feel for how things are going. I think they are okay for that, something quick. The API master test kit is okay, but I keep hearing from many that it measure nitrates too high and can alarm a fish keeper for nothing.
I do 50% per week religiously, but I have a high light co2 injected planted tank that gets EI dosing. Also, up here in Apple Valley, our water is quite soft! I have to add minerals to keep my plants from getting a calcium deficiency.
Yes, we have the opposite in Calif with super hard mineral rich water.
Ben Ochart I'm in Apple Valley California, sir. But our water comes from an aquaduct that's fed by a lake that gets the lion's share of its water from rainfall and snow. When I lived in Riverside, it was liquid rock, off the charts hard.
Well i change my water once a week around 30per cent, & i check my ph every week & my nitrite nitrate & ammonia once a month.
80% on my 750 gallon indoor koi pond have to that are feed 5 times a day and helps with growing
I do about 25% once a month. It is a combination of time, laziness and not wishing to stress the tank too often.
My 55 gallon has South American Cichlid. I change out water with 15 gallons with a 55 gallon tank. My Nitrites and Nitrates were very high. My Ammonia was 0. Should I add minerals when I do a water change? Minerals out of the tap are low..we are on a well. I am confused as to how I get a balance tank. My PH was 7.6 which I prefer a 7.0 reading. Your help is appreciated.