Large water changes

[gkotlin]

I have a small tank. If I do a large water change, say 90% will that induce a cycle?

 

[threed240]

Why are you needing to do such a large water change?

 

[fishycpa]

Originally Posted by gkotlin
I have a small tank. If I do a large water change, say 90% will that induce a cycle?
More than likely, yes

 

[earlybird]

Originally Posted by fishyCPA
More than likely, yes

Please explain? I don't think it will at all as long as sand is not disturbed or rock left to dry out.

 

[maxalmon]

If the sandbed and tank as a whole are not disturbed, you shouldn't have a problem. Just make sure the temp & SG are the same.
I do 50% changes in my nano all the time and it loves it (it's just easier to make a 5 gallon bucket of saltwater than 1 gallon)

 

[gkotlin]

I did it because I haven't done much to the tank for a few months. Other than clean the filters. It's just live rock and two snails.
I did a large water change to put it to use again.
I've heard of people doing large changes in reef tanks, so I figured it wouldn't be an issue.

 

[fishycpa]

Originally Posted by earlybird
Please explain? I don't think it will at all as long as sand is not disturbed or rock left to dry out.
I didn't think about the rock and sand. I thought that a 90% change would b/c I have heard of 50% changes starting a cycle.

My bad, please forgive my ignorance.

 

[dmitry]

But why are you trying to induce a cycle? Cycles are not good things; we all try to avoid them.

 

[maxalmon]

I don't think he's trying to induce a cycle, just asking if a large water change would start one.

 

[gkotlin]

Originally Posted by maxalmon
I don't think he's trying to induce a cycle, just asking if a large water change would start one.
Thats what I'm asking.