Water change out

[spencka]

I have a 55 gal. tank, that's been up & running for about 10 weeks. I have a Tomato Clown, a Coral Beauty Angel, and a Mandarin. Also have a coral banded and a Cleaner Shrimp, as well as numerous snails & crabs. I have about 60 lbs. of LS and 70 lbs. of LR.
I used to have two Feather Dusters, but both died. I'm still not sure why? All parameters have been perfect, temp. holds steady at 79 degrees.
My question is - when do I start making the water changes? How much do I remove from a 55 gal. What is the best method to actually remove water, then replenish it?
I have an undercabinet wet/dry sum, which houses bio-balls, skimmer, etc.
Thanks!
Steve

 

[carshark]

Originally Posted by spencka
I have a 55 gal. tank, that's been up & running for about 10 weeks. I have a Tomato Clown, a Coral Beauty Angel, and a Mandarin. Also have a coral banded and a Cleaner Shrimp, as well as numerous snails & crabs. I have about 60 lbs. of LS and 70 lbs. of LR.
I used to have two Feather Dusters, but both died. I'm still not sure why? All parameters have been perfect, temp. holds steady at 79 degrees.
My question is - when do I start making the water changes? How much do I remove from a 55 gal. What is the best method to actually remove water, then replenish it?
I have an undercabinet wet/dry sum, which houses bio-balls, skimmer, etc.
Thanks!
Steve
hey steve, filter is working great thanks!!!
ok so the real issue at hand, once your tank has cycled, and you have already added fish you should be doing water changes weekly, 10% unless levels are high then adjust accordingly. so 10% id change 5 gallons...thats a good maintenece practice that will be beneficial for you.

 

[soo high]

you should of done a 20% water change when ur cycle is done and every 2-3 a 10% water change

 

[carshark]

i think i assumed you did do a water change once your tank cycled, as far as anything else, 5 gal. a week will help you, 2-3 weeks is pushing it, he has a pretty high bioload in there as it is....

 

[spencka]

Glad to hear it Aaron!
So, I take it that I don't wait for parameters to deterioriate? The water changes are more for preventative maintenance?

 

[lennon]

Originally Posted by spencka
I have a 55 gal. tank, that's been up & running for about 10 weeks. I have a Tomato Clown, a Coral Beauty Angel, and a Mandarin. Also have a coral banded and a Cleaner Shrimp, as well as numerous snails & crabs. I have about 60 lbs. of LS and 70 lbs. of LR.
I used to have two Feather Dusters, but both died. I'm still not sure why? All parameters have been perfect, temp. holds steady at 79 degrees.
My question is - when do I start making the water changes? How much do I remove from a 55 gal. What is the best method to actually remove water, then replenish it?
I have an undercabinet wet/dry sum, which houses bio-balls, skimmer, etc.
Thanks!
Steve
Ever consider a refugium? I heard it is better than bioballs especially if you have LR,LS and corals...not 100%sure though..but that is what I have read from the experts here. Good luck

 

[spencka]

Oh, and what is the best method to remove 20% of the water? By siphoning, bucket, or doesn't matter? And when I add new s/w, should I add it to the wet/dry or directly into the tank??

 

[spencka]

I did consider a refugium, but didn't know enough about them and just felt more comfortable with the wet/dry - at least initially.

 

[spencka]

One more question! I have a large tub, which I keep a supply of saltwater. I also keep a powerhead in it for flow.
Is it ok to use? Should I test it before adding to the tank?

 

[hot883]

Originally Posted by spencka
One more question! I have a large tub, which I keep a supply of saltwater. I also keep a powerhead in it for flow.
Is it ok to use? Should I test it before adding to the tank?
I too have a 55. I change about 7 gal. each Thurs. and I use a syphon to pull out the water. I have a rubbermaid container in the basement for which I have dedicated for fresh mixed sw. I leave the ph on in there to ensure it stablizes and then 2 days later, thats the sw I use for my change. Personally, I use the syphon to pull out my new water and fill 1 gal. jugs and take up stairs. Once I have my water staioned up there I then begin to pull out the tank water. As the syphon pulls out from 1 side, I add to the other. Has worked very well for me so far.
I might be concerned about the mandarin though. He eats nothing but pods and your tank is very young in the sense of having millions of pods for him to eat. I want one bad, but have listened to my friends on here and will not attempt one for about a year. Maybe you have a never ending supply of pods, then it's ok. Good luck to you and welcome to th boards.