water changes can you do to many

[adamdwalker]

I have started doing a 5%-10% water change every day, is this going to cuase a problem? I have an algae problem and the nitrates are about 75ppm so i thought this should help the algae and the nitrates

any comments?

thanks

 

[Maj0rFiSh]

No, you can do up to 50% a day if you have bad nitrate problems.

 

[Blinky]

5% - 10% won't cause a problem, but it might not make much of a difference either. You may want to try doing 20% - 25% water changes; your nitrate's a bit high, but not excessive, so a few slightly larger changes should bring it under control.

 

[TKOS]

I agree. 5-10 is really not going to do very much, the nitrates can probably climb fasterthan they are removed. A minimum of 20% should be your goal over the next few days.

 

[adamdwalker]

ok cheers i was just worried as i have clown loaches and they are little gits when it comes to whitespot, so i was just worried incase they get stressed e.t.c.

 

[happychem]

Consistent, large water changes will keep your tank water more stable and healthier than small changes. Large weekly changes ensure that your tank water is close to tap water chemistry, so the new water, dechlorinated, of course, is identical in pH, KH, etc., just make sure to match temp.

Aim for 50% total change in a week and you'll have great water conditions and healthy, long lived fish. Two 30% changes in a week is the same as a single 50% (or as close as you can be accurate). 5-10% weekly hardly has any effect on pollutant concentrations.

 

[adamdwalker]

yea i use to do between 30-50% a week i was on about 5-10% (nearer 10) per day

 

[happychem]

Hmmm, if you do a 10% change, every day, after 7 days it's pretty much the same as a single 50% change.

 

[Slappy*McFish]

Agreed...just do one 50% water change weekly and save yourself the daily labor. I would do two 50% changes this week to reduce the nitrates to acceptable levels, then begin the weekly 50% changes thereafter.

 

[adamdwalker]

Hmmm, if you do a 10% change, every day, after 7 days it's pretty much the same as a single 50% change.

yes but my tank water stays crystal clear, doesnt go greenish from the algae pigments or brownish from the dye off the wood