I am new to the tropical fish hobby. I love it! But I have no clue what's up with water changes. Don't flame me! I used to keep 2 goldfish in a 10gal. They liked it "dirty" so I only cleaned/water changed when it turned really green. They were carnival fish that were 3/4 inch when won by my daughter. Those fish lived 5 years and grew to be about 5 inches apiece. I took them to the LFS when we had to move and I realized that my tank was getting to small for them.
Anyway, back to the question. Why/how/how often, should one do water changes? It seems like it would mess up the water levels to constantly change the water. Again don't flame me I'm honestly curious and want to learn/have healthy fish.
ps. I have a 20 gallon with 9 fish. 3 mollies, 3 sword tail, 3 tiger barb
Thanks in advance!
Anyway, back to the question. Why/how/how often, should one do water changes? It seems like it would mess up the water levels to constantly change the water. Again don't flame me I'm honestly curious and want to learn/have healthy fish.
ps. I have a 20 gallon with 9 fish. 3 mollies, 3 sword tail, 3 tiger barb
Thanks in advance!