how frequently change water

[Bravofleet4]

If you want to do no CO2 or fertilizers with 2.1 wpg, how frequently do you have to do water changes to ensure that you're plants are getting enough nutrients and what percentage? (say for 30 gallon). Right now I'm in college while my fish tank is going to stay at home which I will only visit once or twice every two weeks. If it's a lot, then can I supplement it with some liquid fertilizers to reduce it? My parents are going to feed my fish but I don't think I want to ask them to do it.

 

[Riiz]

I would lower your lighting to 1.5wpg if your not dosing ferts and CO2, or algae will take over when you leave.

As for water changes, try to change atleast 25% per week.

 

[Fordtrannyman]

I agree with lowering the wattage if possible or reducing photoperiod.

i would recommend a minimum of 50% PWC every 6-7 days. If your source water is high in ph and kh, chances are good that there will be some available nutrients. So more pwc the better.

 

[tanker]

How many of what kind of fish are we taking about??

 

[msjinkzd]

i would do 50% wc's weekly as well.

 

[jpappy789]

I would usually say anywhere from 30-50% per week but it depends on stock

 

[Bk718]

If you are not dosing any co2 or ferts then you can get away with changing water every other week. Photo period of 8-10hrs, feed once a day (dont overfeed), make sure filter media is changed before you leave and you should be just fine with every other week.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

i do 50% weekly in all my tanks with or without co2 and ferts.

 

[Starry]

I used to do the same thing, leave my tank at home while away at university. I would do water changes every 2-3 weeks, and fertilize very lightly after every water change. I can't say that algae was much worse than some other times when I was doing weekly maintenance. The fish really didn't care, water quality was still great. Just make sure your parents don't overfeed. Tell them once a day MAX, and when you show them how much, show a little less than you would actually feed.

 

[gmh]

I have 2.1 watts of T5 lighting. I run the lights 9.5 hours per day. I do a 15 -20 percent water change every 4 or 5 days. I guess that would equate to a 25-30 percent change once a week.
The main concern I would have is make sure the parents do not overfeed. Maybe show how you do it but feed a little less that usuall while demonstrating, that way hopefully they won't overdo it.