How soon can I do another water change?

[alison]

Hi, I had a starfish die in my fish only, and I didn't know it, until I looked for it yesterday, and saw the skeleton. When I tested the water yesterday, my nitrates were high. So I did a 10 gal water change in my 55 gal. That's around a 20% water change. So I did that last night. Now, how soon can I do another 20% water change. Nitrates were down some with the water change, and I think another 20% would do it. I don't think a 10% water change would do anything. Thanks in advance, Ali

 

[clarkiiclo]

Every other day if you are doing 20%. That is quite a bit.
How long has your tank been running?
The only thing you have to worry about is a mini cycle - ammonia spike mostly.
Just watch your levels

 

[alison]

Hi, thanks for the reply. I think I'll play it safe, and wait a week. Oh, you asked how long the tank's been runnin. It's been runnin a little over 2 years this one. No new fish recently or any changes, so I think it was the starfish. He was pretty stinky when I pulled him out. Kinda sad. I had that starfish from my reef for 4 years. I wonder if he died from old age. Anyways, thanks again. I'm a little too worried about a mini cycle, so I'll just wait a week. Thanks again, Ali

 

[clarkiiclo]

Hey I just noticed you are in WA too!

 

[lefty]

As am I!
-lefty

 

[francis]

My tank is 35gal & was only 3/4 full. 3 months old now. I used natural sea water untill now & would like to add more, atleast 5 more gallons. Can i use marine salt to make an artificial ocean water? will it be healthy? or use natural sea water again? I already have 3 anemones & 1 bubble coral inside with 1 lobster & 2 yellow fin damsels. thank you!
:thinking:

 

[clarkiiclo]

It may be better in the long run to switch to an artificial salt. Just because you cant predict the changes to your local water environment.
Do it very slowly though- start with one gallon of artificial when you do your 10% water change.
Each week you could add a gallon- look for signs of distress.
Someone else may have a better plan for introducing the water but I think this would work

 

[alison]

Hi, I think thier's about 6 of us Washingtonians here now. I already sold some stuff to one guy from marysville. So what part of the state are you guys/girls from? I live in Lake Stevens, about 10 minutes from Everett, that's northwestern washington/ Snohomish county for you eastern washington people. ~Ali

 

[lefty]

I'm in Wenatchee. It's pretty neat running into fellow Washingtonians on these boards.
-lefty