How frequently to change water? 20 Gal
- Thread starter boon4376
- Start date
I change roughly 4 gallons every other day.
Sent from my Huawei U8800-51 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
Sent from my Huawei U8800-51 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
Well, after reading the replies, you're not seeing anything different here either
You've figured 30%/week which is probably more in line with the average of what you'll find.
I got my first aquarium about 9-10 years ago. There was as many forums online back then but the ones I found and talking to the LFS at the time, 10-20%/monthly water change was the norm. And everyone had healthy happy fish.
As time has went on, for whatever reason other than just 'someone said so', the amount of recommended water changes has increased dramatically. So it's gone from 10-20%/monthly to up to 50% WEEKLY.
Everyone has an opinion and they do what works for them and that is fine. MY opinion is 50% weekly is a huge waste of water unless the tank is way overstocked. And even then if the bio filter is handling the load, you just need to keep an eye on your nitrates.
On an appropriately stocked aquarium, 15%/week is more than sufficient. 30% every two weeks if nitrates are in check.
I change water according to a tank's individual needs. Anywhere from <20% up to 50% weekly depending on water quality deterioration rates. This amount can be divided to more than a once per week frequency if needed. If I need to change more than 50% then I'll replace about 20%, add more water, replace another 20%, add more water, replace another 20%, repeat, etc. This way doesn't shock the fish so much. There have been times where I've done over a 200% water change using this method. Sometimes it is necessary when doing extensive gravel cleanings or tanks with issues.
Last edited:
Well, after reading the replies, you're not seeing anything different here either
You've figured 30%/week which is probably more in line with the average of what you'll find.
I got my first aquarium about 9-10 years ago. There was as many forums online back then but the ones I found and talking to the LFS at the time, 10-20%/monthly water change was the norm. And everyone had healthy happy fish.
As time has went on, for whatever reason other than just 'someone said so', the amount of recommended water changes has increased dramatically. So it's gone from 10-20%/monthly to up to 50% WEEKLY.
Everyone has an opinion and they do what works for them and that is fine. MY opinion is 50% weekly is a huge waste of water unless the tank is way overstocked. And even then if the bio filter is handling the load, you just need to keep an eye on your nitrates.
On an appropriately stocked aquarium, 15%/week is more than sufficient. 30% every two weeks if nitrates are in check.
I agree with Slap..each tank's needs dictate what is best. And, rastoma, it isn't just about nitrates...nitrates are just an easily tested for level with a simple test kit. Many other factors come into play with more complex tanks, such as TDS, pH, buffers and maintenance routines. In nature and at most breeding facilities, water is changed over fairly frequent, some times constantly. In our glass boxes, most fish keepers can't even begin to attain those levels. You could probably get by with one shower/bath per week...but more frequent ones seem to make us healthier and and feel good.....
