How often?

[Angel 0249]

Good morning everyone.

Can someone please tell me how often i should be doing water changes on my 40 gallon tank.
And what other maintenance should i be doing?

It is 3months old.

Thanks.

Liz.

 

[Reefscape]

i would suggest 10% per week water changes, clean any filter media in old tank water if you have a cannister filter, clean the glass as and when required, check ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and pH on weekly basis, top off as required.

that is what i do weekly...excluding the filter media as i dont have it...

Niko

 

[Angel 0249]

Thanks Niko

I am currently running 2 filters,one that is built in to the tank and a fluval 305 external.
Also a Deltec Mce600 skimmer which i clean the cup out every 3 days or so.

The internal has live rock rubble and a piece of filter wool.
The external has only got Rowaphos and some filter wool in it.
Should i just change the filter wool on a weekly basis as well.
And what about running carbon,do i need to have this in my filters as well?

Thanks.
Liz.

 

[Reefscape]

Well, filter wool i would suggest to change on a monthly basis.

Carbon, personally, i dont run. Its a matter of opinion whether to run it constanly. I dont feel any need of running it, unless for some reason, medications have been used in the tank.

Besides the obvious of emptying the skimmer cup before it over flows, i strip and clean my skimmer every 3 weeks, but, that is just my way of doing things...

Niko

 

[Angel 0249]

Thanks Niko you have been a great help as always.

 

[Subliminal]

That question is almost unanswerable.

If your parameters are in check and you aren't having nitrate problems, 10% a week might be the maximum you want to change.

If your nitrates are at 80 PPM, you'd probably want to change out a helluvalot more than that per week to get them under check.

 

[Angel 0249]

Thanks for the info Subliminal.

My test results are........
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 5
Ph 8.2
Phos 0.1
Cal 460.. a little high i know.
Copper 0
Salinity 1.025
Alk close to normal.

So i think everything seems to be ok.

 

[Reefscape]

Thanks for the info Subliminal.

My test results are........
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 5
Ph 8.2
Phos 0.1
Cal 460.. a little high i know.
Copper 0
Salinity 1.025
Alk close to normal.

So i think everything seems to be ok.

Looks spot on to me Liz....

Good stuff

Niko

 

[Angel 0249]

Thanks Niko.
I am still learning and reading loads.
As people have said it takes a very long time to learn this fantastic hobby so i am taking things slowly.
And taking in loads of good advice from all you experienced people on here.

 

[Reefscape]

Thanks Niko.
I am still learning and reading loads.
As people have said it takes a very long time to learn this fantastic hobby so i am taking things slowly.
And taking in loads of good advice from all you experienced people on here.

It certainly, and that is come of the best advice to pass on to others Liz...

Cool beans..

Niko