Water parameters are great so now what?

tootercat

tootercat

Newbie but getting smarter
May 28, 2006
44
0
0
68
Sacramento CA
Thank you to all for the wonderful support I have gotten :thumbsup:

Now that I have the tank in really great condition...what is the rule of thumb for water changes and filter cleaning.....

I am sure that I have seen this info in other posts or in general FAQ's.

Water is now as follows:

pH - 7.0
ammonia - o ppm
nitrites 0 o ppm
nitrates - 40 ppm

Feeding fishies New Life Spectrum Cichlid Formula

I have a very happier Common/Comet goldie (4 years old) and a very perky and playful Oranda (3-6 mos old?)


I am guessing weekly is the proper time frame but would like to get some feedback...

thanks again!

Pam
 
At least once weekly 30% or more. I would test your tank a couple times a week still and if your nitrates are over 40, do a good sized water change. Over time, you will develop a routine that works for you. As for your filter, I rinse out my media in used tank water every other water change or so as needed. You will notice the discharge of the filter slowing as it gets occluded. Some of my tanks I check the filters once a month, some I need to rinse weekly. With your heavier stocking, its more likely you will need to rinse it frequently than not.
 
To SchizotypalVamp - I have a 30 gallon hex tank and an HOB filtration system.

To Jinky - thanks girlfriend. I''ll do a wc either today or tomorrow.
 
alrighty. It's good that your tank has finally cycled :). Those comets grow to a foot long and need a 75 gallon simply because of their size. I believe the oranda needs a minimum of 50 gallons (I'm not as knowledgable with them) and a heater, due to size considerations also. You'll want whatever water changes keep your nitrates within the ranges of 20ppm ideally. In the case that this is not possible, whatever keeps them around 40 ppm. Soak the filtration in old tank water weekly.

You don't actually need a tank-have a backyard? Rubbermaids, ponds, and stock tanks(basically ponds) are very cheap. You can also have an indoor pond.
 
Good work on getting your parameters in the green zone !

In answer to the question asked, weekly changes to hold nitrates below 40 - personally I prefer to keep them below 20 - are what's needed. It may require 30 or 40% but you will get a feel for this. Filter maintenance as per jinkzd.
 
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