how often do I change water

[dereks]

I set up my mini reef (3 gallon) with the intention of changing the water as nitrates increased. The tank is cycled now with all inhabitants and nitrates are staying low as well as amonia. Think maybe I could do a once a week water change? I never put any thought into it because I just expected I would have to change it every 3 days. So far this tank is a lot easier than I expected..........so far

[Carnie]

I think you should just do the 10% once a week

[kamikaze_fish]

I want to see a pic. I've been thinking about doing this with my 3 gallon.

[Reefscape]

I think you should just do the 10% once a week


Thats about what i would suggest...

[Cliff Mayes]

One of the most important factors in keeping tanks is water changes and if done every week ten per cent is OK but twenty would be better.

Nitrates in themselves are not that important but they are a good indicator of other bad chemicals so monitoring them and using the number as a guide is better than just guessing. There are a lot of factors involved so things are not quite this simple but it makes for a good starting and learning point without getting to involved.

Good luck and I hope your experience is a good one.

[acousticrawk]

pics!!!

[dereks]

75882

[dog_gone07]

That's beautiful! Well done! What do you have in it?

[Carnie]

B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L

[dereks]

Thanks!! Firefish Goby, Banded Coral Shrimp, Emerald Crab, and a few snails and crabs. Hoping to be able to add corals soon, we'll see how it goes.

[ToeJam]

10% rule is perfect...I agree. Being so small it wouldnt be costly just to do a 50% either if you put some soft corals in there.

Being such a small tank even doing a pint a day would be another avenue to go. Since its such a small tank...

My concern is space.. and banded shrimp are tempermental and territorial buggers.

[saltydunc]

nice set up