W/C

[fatherfish]

Hi all, 46 gal. semi planted, 3 discus + cardinal, few others small guys. Tank just cycled this week. Amm, nitrite and nitrate are at 0 . pH 7.2 temp 82f. My questions are
1. how often and % w/c?
2. why w/c at all when numbers stay at 0 in planted tank?
Thank you
Fatherfish.:o

[Don Trinko]

This is a very common question. There are many different opinions. With the typical bioload (1 discus/10g water and feeding 3 to 4 times a day) you will see opinions all the way from 10% once a week to 100% every day. I (wright or wrong) go by the nitrates. I try to keep my nitrates around 5. For me this requires 2 40% WC per week. My tanks all have fake plants and gravel. BB is easier to care for but I don't like that look. Don T.

[Tropical Haven]

Well with a semi planted tank which means you have substrate too, I would do a 40% change every 2 to 3 days.