Is there enough room in here

1-2 a week would be better.
 
So what is the exact purpose of so many water changes? Just wondering because I used to do a water change once every 3-4 months, and I've never had any problems with fich dying, cloudy water, sickness...nothing
 
rbishop said:
1-2 a week would be better.

Yup I agree, thats what I do. It just sounds like he does then hardly once a month now, so that may be an unrealistic number for him. Either way good luck with your tank.
 
The exact purpose of water changes is to replace polluted water (fish wastes, decaying plant matter, leftover food) with clean water. This is probably the most critical aspect of tank maintenance, in my opinion--and that is based upon those who have kept fish for years.
Doing often and regular changes reduces stress on fish, disease, ailments, and makes them darn awfully happy!!! Even with frequent water changes my fish swim about as if I'd just dosed them with happy water. Generally, the more frequent, the less water changed out, but I"m sure there will be other opinions.
 
In my 55 I have 12 africans and 1 pleco. Some of the fish are juvies so they arent fully grown out but I dont have any aggression problems, I also have all males. If I were you just stay where you are and dont get any more. I would definitely up your water changes to AT LEAST once per week, I do them once every 5 days. From testing my water thats how long it takes the nitrates get above 10-15. Your fish will live longer and be happier because of it! + instead of waiting for something bad to happen, take the preventative measure!
 
If you don't change the water enough, you may not see any ill effects now.

But down the line as the tank gets dirtier and dirtier, your fish will start contracting illnesses related to a dirty tank.

Popeye is a common problem for demasonis kept in a dirty tank. Popeye, if allowed to get worse (by not cleaning the tank frequently enough), can cause the eye to rupture and come off leaving the fish with only one eye.

Hole in the head is another common illness seen in fish kept in dirty conditions. If your fish gets hole in the head, there is no cure. You can only maintain the illness by keeping the tank really clean. There are several more illnesses that I will not list.

Anyway you look at it if your tank is dirty, your fish will get sick. Its just a matter of when.
 
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