How often for water changes

[Tofu Brady]

I have a 20 gallon tank and i dont know how often i should do wc and im 13 so i have school so i busy sometimes so what should i do im getting some snails and shrimp but i don't know how often help

 

[Thatdude156]

Depends on filtration. Do you have a skimmer? Refugium? Probably not so a weekly change 10-20%) is usually what works.

 

[SPR1968]

10% weekly water changes are the general advice, but if you don’t have many inhabitants you could probably reduce that considerably if you only have snails and shrimp.

With water changes your trying to reduce nutrient levels and also replenish trace elements and things being used up. But it all depends what you have in there.

Maybe post some tank pictures or start a build thread if you get chance

 

[mike550]

Welcome @gavin brady! Good luck with your tank. How often you should do water changes has a lot to do with how "dirty" your tank gets from the fish, food, etc. That said, usually 10% every week or 15% every two weeks is a good starting point. If you miss one, don't try to make a big water change. You want to keep things stable for your fish and stuff.

 

[DarthSimon]

There is no real set rule to how much and how often, Like said above, it depends on your systems needs. How many fish and corals you have. Your nutrient levels. You will learn in time what your system needs. Test your nutrients, and adjust accordingly.

 

[Tofu Brady]

Depends on filtration. Do you have a skimmer? Refugium? Probably not so a weekly change 10-20%) is usually what works.

Ok