Re: Water change regularity
There's actually more to water quality than water changes alone. Overall tank maintenance is just as important. You can change your water every day and still have water related issues if you don't maintain the tank itself. On the other hand, you may be able to do less frequent water changes if you perform perfect maintenance. Have a look at this thread. Very informative and logical... http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showth...-Are-Important
Re: Water change regularity
Quote:
Originally Posted by
BrendanJ23
Up until recently, I did 50% daily. I started doing 90-100% daily over the last 3 weeks and have noticed a significant improvement in the fish’s “mood”. For reference, my tank is 650L, bare bottom, 17 discus ranging from 4-7 inches.
I also want the biggest baddest discus around, I also want to protect my investment! I’ve spent thousands of dollars on fish and set up, so why not do big water changes daily?
Interesting observation Brendan. I've seen an increase in people who are anti-water change recently. They have the opinion that since they can do it then everyone can. Then they show photo's of footballs and runts. You are proof of the value of water changes.
Re: Water change regularity
Theyre beautiful fish Dan, its a shame you had to shut it down.
Thanks for sharing, i'm def gonna up my w/c from once a week (50%).
Re: Water change regularity
I'm just wondering how the effect of such frequent water changes has on the balance of GH and PH.
What ill effects could such frequent water changes have on the water chemistry do you think?
Re: Water change regularity
just read this post by 'afriend' 2015. what a read it is!
everything stated makes perfect sense and makes a person realise that when you feel you may be doing enough in terms of maintenance, there are other many other variables to always to keep mindful of.
I would love to have a sand base, instead of gravel. Because I use an Eheim gravel vac every day I find this problematic (I once used sand for my smaller tropical tank) as the vac sucks up any small light particles, and I love to use the vac everyday.
Having said that, I do use the vac on my discus tank every day, to scoop up the poop (small river pebble base)
Re: Water change regularity
Well if your changing your water from the tap than your fish will adjust to that ph and be fine with it. In reality it’s just another reason to up the water changes. It keeps the ph close to or the same as your tap water.
Re: Water change regularity
Re: Water change regularity
yup, makes sense. our water here in Melbourne comes out about 7. in the tank it seems to level out @ 6. (quite a bit of driftwood in there).
whats your water like (out of the tap) there Tom ?
I'm guessing you use RO water?
Re: Water change regularity
Quote:
Originally Posted by
kerrie6703
I'm just wondering how the effect of such frequent water changes has on the balance of GH and PH.
What ill effects could such frequent water changes have on the water chemistry do you think?
None, provided the new water is temp and ph matched. If doing large, say greater than 50%, aged and aerated.
Re: Water change regularity
thanks Brendan. the PH of my tap water is around 7. the PH found in my tank is around 6.
I don't have the facilities to 'age' the water with regard to water changes.
Have plenty of aeration in the tank (I large inside filter + 1 smaller one - both breaking the water surface)
Re: Water change regularity
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jeep
Interesting observation Brendan. I've seen an increase in people who are anti-water change recently. They have the opinion that since they can do it then everyone can. Then they show photo's of footballs and runts. You are proof of the value of water changes.
I’ve noticed this too, bending the ‘rules’ with less than ideal outcomes. And thanks, the fish seem to appreciate my efforts lol.
Re: Water change regularity
what do you consider to be a bad discus Willie?
I imagine people have all sorts of 'agendas' when it comes to this hobby.
I'm happy to keep my babies happy in their environment and to reach a sizeable age, relative of course.
I guess some 'hobbyists' may be driven more by ego .. bit like cars and engines with some people ... the bigger and grunt'ier the engine .... blah blah
Re: Water change regularity
Quote:
Originally Posted by
kerrie6703
thanks Brendan. the PH of my tap water is around 7. the PH found in my tank is around 6.
I don't have the facilities to 'age' the water with regard to water changes.
Have plenty of aeration in the tank (I large inside filter + 1 smaller one - both breaking the water surface)
If your tank is 180L, then aging 90L is not much at all. Are you able to put a 90L drum somewhere, even if you have to run a pump and hose to pump it into the tank from another room?
Re: Water change regularity
Brendan, are you aware of or had interaction with Living Reef Aquariums in QLD at all ?
Re: Water change regularity