Water changes

[johnyboy]

I just did my first water change because my cycle just ended and I did a 30-40% change and it was a pain! Anyone know of a good water change schedule. I have a 75 gallon tank and will be having coals and fish. What Is a good water change schedule that works and keeps the tank balanced and great? I was thinking maybe 10% every week ?

 

[joekool]

That would be fine a little less shocking on the system. But remember 4 - 10% water changes don't equal a 40% water change. Even thought 4x10 equals 40.

I think 20% a month would be fine. Or you could do 15% bi weekly. It really depends on your tank parameters and consumption of elements by corals. Until your tank gets more established I would do 20% a month at one time.

But this is just my opinion and not what you have to do. Everyone has different needs for there tank.

Later

 

[TexasTyrone]

To me the problem with water changes is not the schedule but how the water change is performed. I have plenty of long hose so i can pump or siphon to the nearest drain or out the window. Then i pump my new saltwater back in from its holding tank in another room. I used to do it with a pitcher or buckets. So much easier now!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I use a slow pump on a timer to change 1% daily, automatically spread through much of the day and night. :)