Water changes

[Jtsky]

Do you need to do water changes even if your ammonia and nitrite dont exceed 0ppm?

[jaysun]

Yes, since water changes get rid (or keeo down) the Nitrates. Weekly/bi-weekly water changes are a must. I do 20-30% per week in my 33g and 100g
Works great, but depends out overstocked your tank is....the more, the more water changes.

hope this helps

[cichgirl]

Ammonia to nitrite to nitrate is the cycle. Nitrates are only removed through water changes. They aren't as harmful as nitrites or ammonia but they can be in high numbers. I do a 30% water change whenever my nitrates get to around 30 ppm. Other than that I only change around 10-15% weekly. Testing is the way to go!:)

[Jtsky]

So your saying that the only thing that can get rid of nitrates is a water change. So, if my ammonia and nitrites stay at 0ppm I could just do water changes when my nitrates get at around 20ppm? Or what ppm of nitrates would you say to change the water at if ammonia and nitrites stay at 0ppm? Also what percentage? Or would this be wrong?

[jaysun]

I heard a number of people fight over when nitrates reach the "danger point". Some say 40ppm and less is fine then it starts stressing the fish.
I always need the nitrates under 40ppm.

[Jtsky]

So it is correct to say that if your ammonia and nitrites are zero, you only have to do a water change when nitrate levels go over (let's say) 20ppm. At which point in time I would do a 20% water change. Is this corrrect? Also, what are some other peoples opinions about how low to keep nitrate levels?

[SGypsyMermaid]

http://cichlidforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5

you should not wait for the nitrate levels to rise; you do the water changes to prevent it.

[Jtsky]

Sgypsy: What are your nitrate levels right before you do a water change? They have to be higher than zero. So throughout the week before you do the water change they rise. I'm trying to find out at what level of nitrates is safe, and when I should do a water change. I'm not sure if I should change it at 10ppm or 40ppm or any other level. I am just trying to find out when to do water changes for my tank.

[tom]

Hi jtsky

I think the folks in this thread have steered you in the right direction. Some may test every week (or everyday!) while others are old hands at keeping fish and have a "feel" for maintenance (although testing is really the way to go). (BTW: Technically, there is no nitrogen "cycle" in the aquarium as there is in Nature.)

What's a "dangerous" nitrate level is also determined by the species of fish kept (Mbuna can usually tolerate higher levels than can Tropheus, for example); but anything over 40 ppm for any species requires attention.

Consider, too, that lowering nitrates is but one of the benefits of regular water changes: Your pH stability may be adversely affected by release of carbonic acid, for example, in the absence of water changes.

SGypsy's advice to do changes before they become imperative is very sound on a further level: Test kits can give inaccurate readings.

Finally, don't forget to test your tap water to see what you've been dealt.

[jonah]

Originally posted by tom
Finally, don't forget to test your tap water to see what you've been dealt.

Good point. I stopped at a rest stop in Arizona last week that had a sign warning that the nitrate level in the drinking water was too high for babies and old people to use. I don't know what the tap ppm would be, but I bought a bottle of water from the vending machine instead.:drink:

I don't test for nitrates. I just change the water regularly instead. That reminds me, I've been gone for 11 days, the tanks are due for a change now.:eek:

[Jtsky]

Ok, now I understand. Thanks everyone!

[tom]

Originally posted by jonah
had a sign warning that the nitrate level in the drinking water was too high for babies and old people to use. I don't know what the tap ppm would be

Most likely over 40 ppm, Jonah: I recall my wife mentioning 40mg/l (same as ppm for our purposes) nitrate (or 10mg/l N) as a health marker (for humans).