time for a water change

[eeldarb21]

I was wondering, i have a 55 gal. cycling right now and i checked the levels and they are lookin' good so far. I want to get ready for my "big" water change. If i have 55 gal. is 5 gallons good enough to change? My ro unit doesn't make water quick enough so i might have to go down to the lfs and buy some for 1$ a gallon...

 

[a&m aggie 04']

i usually change 10% every two weeks. But Id try to go for about 10 gallons on your 1st change. Good Luck.
Mark

 

[cboyfan2020]

i agree. I change my water in my 55g about once every 2 weeks with 5g being the amount or roughly 10%. Factoring in live rock and substrate for water displacement 5g for a 55 is probably greater then 10% so it is a good number to go with. I also agree your first change after cycle should be like 20% or 10g.

 

[broomer5]

i checked the levels and they are lookin' good so far
What are your test kit readings ?
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
pH
Salinity - Specific Gravity
These numbers - usually determine what percent of tankwater I would change on a recently cycled tank.
Will you be running a protein skimmer ?

 

[col]

Can you not store some RO water in a container for a day or two until you have enuff for a bigger change (if you are wanting to do a bigger change).

 

[eeldarb21]

ammonia 0
nitrates .1
nitrites 0
ph.....8.2
i need all the ro water for top offs... it doesn't make enough for this water change..i am storing as much as i can in a pre-mixed bucket (5gal).. i would like to wait another week, to make sure the cycle is completly done.
I am trying to figure out a way to plumb my fuge into my tank... soon i will need to add it into my system... my tank is a 55 gal. acrylic sea clear system 1.... sump is built into the back of the tank.....

 

[goldrush]

Does your RO/DI unit make less than 25GPD? Is this going to be reef? If so I'd add about 40 lbs more LR Good Luck.

 

[eeldarb21]

I am going to add more LR when i have more money.... it's 5.50 per lb. at my lfs.. rip off!!! I will go down south near San diego to get more.. the price drops after you buy like 20 lbs to like 4.00 per lb. still a lot of money either way ya' know...
Yea my ro unit only makes like 20gpd... low water pressure i guess... taste good though... i might buy water from now on at my lfs..

 

[cboyfan2020]

$5.50 a pound.... I pay $8 a lb. consider yourself lucky cause you dont get a break here you pay $8 no matter how much you get

 

[goldrush]

20GPD should keep you in water pretty well. I wish good LR was $5.50 around here. Consider yourself lucky