Water Changes

[pneumaticbetta]

i have an 85 gallon tank....15 gallon sump. within the sump i run bio balls and foam

i also run a canister filter with a porous rock substrate.

how often should i do water changes and what percent of water should i change?

 

[blue_eyes53813]

It totally depends on your bio load and tank readings,.. This is a much debated question and depends on individual preferance... some do 5% weekly, 10 % weekly, 20 % every other week... I would try to do 20-40% monthly how ever you want to do it...

 

[chriswho]

I have a 55g and I change 5 gallons every Sunday. Sometimes a little less.

 

[cbrownfish]

I adhere to the smaller but more frequent water change philosophy. Less stress when changing smaller amounts. 10% per week is a good number IMO.

 

[surplusrifleguy]

I have a 34 gallon tank. I've had great luck with very frequent small water changes. I usually end up changing 3-4 gallons every 3-4 days depending on my schedule.

 

[BigJay]

. 10% per week is a good number IMO.

I'm with cbronwfish. Enough for good dilution yet not so much that its a huge chore to do it. For most tanks not counting the time to mix the salt it shouldn't take more then 5 minutes to get it done so no excuse not to.