do you do water changes?

[rolltide]

I was wondering if everyone out there does a weekly/monthly water change. I've had my set up since September and have never done a water change, only fresh water to replace that which has evaporated. All my parameters are excellent. Am I the only one who doesn't do water changes?

 

[shel]

I do 25 gallon water change every 2 to 3 weeks. The tank enjoys it, and I can throughly check everything out and make sure it is good. If I go longer I feel like I am not doing what I should be doing.

 

[infinsable]

My set up is the same way, I dont change I add.

 

[jmesmcm]

I do two water changes a week. 5-6 gallons each time. Fish just seem to look better with more frequent water changes even when parameters are entirely in line.

 

[petekc]

I have only had my tank for a 2 months but I am reluctant to perform frequent changes. I have purchased things such as trace elements, vitamins and calcium to compensate for not doing changes. I do add maybe a gallon of water every other week or so.

 

[fshhub]

water changes are important, in that they not only replce the water, but hey remove the nutrients, which build up(evaporation does not), and they also replenish the trace elements that are removed over time(again, evaporaiton and topping off does not)

 

[badkjb2]

i do a 10% water change once a week. from every book ive read, water changes are essential to the long term sucess of keeping fish. in the one book, it specifically stated that topping off isnt enough, that you must replace the trace elements that are replenished during water changes. just my advice.

 

[infinsable]

The set up my LFS has does away with water changes, If you would like the web site and set up of it Email me and Ill be glad to give it to you.

 

[fshhub]

funny, most of us here do not trust lfs's much, and with reason, so quoting one, will not convince us since most of us are convinced(through experience) taht most lfs's do not know what is best, nomatter the length of business or anything,a nd anyone can keep fish for a week or 2, the trick is building a happy home, in whihc they will thrive for years to come
web site or not, and i can show you many lfs's that don't do water changes, and use or sell ugf's and don't quarentine their fishand sell fish to their locals every month, i have not had the need to replenish fish, only to add to my newer larger tank the last year or so(since i quit listening to lfs's and did things against their advice, like a dsb, lr, water changes, and quarentining)

 

[addicted 1]

A big Amen to Fshhub! Couldn't agree with you more.

 

[infinsable]

Hey Addicted I guess you were going to say the same thing as hub Maybe give it a look then judge for yourself. Im not promoting this sight but before you judge something check it out, Ive had experience too... as we all have but maybe time to do things different (Think outside the box) <img src="graemlins//freak.gif" border="0" alt="[freak]" />

 

[infinsable]

By no means am I testing any ones intelligents, Theres a lot of helpful info here, which Im GREATFUL for, but if theres a system that works Ill try it, His tank has been set up for 16years according to him, We'll see Peace All

 

[canadian-reefer]

All my parameters are right on and I do a 10 gallon change every Sunday in my 65. I usually mix the saltwater on Thursday or Friday and then let it age until Sunday pm.
Minimal algae growth and everybody seems to be happy, water is crystal clear ...I use RO water that I buy in 5 gallon jugs.
Do whatever works best, every tank is individual!

 

[carrie1429]

I do a 10% water change every two weeks, its a pain having to do it sometimes, but it makes the fish happier and healthier and helps bring down nitrates.

 

[tiggerbengal]

I do mine every 2-3 weeks.
What does everyone use to clean their tanks? I hook up my python to the hose outback, but was wondering if there is another alternative? It's a PITA to go outback to do a 20% water change. For filling my tank back up, I hook up the python to a powerhead and let it drain from my rubbermaid tote in the bathroom.

 

[twoods71]

10% per month

 

[ak_reefer]

I do a 20-25% every two weeks. I as well top off with freshwater when needed.

 

[daisywb]

I do 10% every week.
And now to contradict my water change practice I have a friend at work who says he hasn't done a water change in his 120 gallon in over 3 years. Just tops it off. Personally, it's not something I would do myself, but it seems to work for him
-Daisy

 

[lettheirberock]

i do a 5% water change weekly.

 

[iswimwithmyfish]

i do about a 20-25% water change every 2 weeks