What to change when doing water change?

[SaltySmith]

I have a water box 20 and today was my first water change since the cycle finished. I did a 10% change as I plan on doing water changes weekly. I changed the filter sock but not the sponge and carbon. Should I replace those or wash them out?

Thank you for your help

 

[Idoc]

The first water change is typically about 75% in order to reduce the nutrients in the system following the cycle. Then, after that, starting up the 10-30% water change schedule.

The filter sock is typically changed whenever it gets clogged or during a water change. The carbon is also changed when it is depleted....some run carbon 24/7 others rarely run it. As for a sponge, depends what and how you are using it. I don't use sponges in my system, except for inside HOB small tanks for quarantine.

 

[Bigred321]

I just wash my sponge filters out

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Personally I would toss the sponge in the trash, it’s not needed, it’s a dirty thing. The carbon should be replaced every 1-2 weeks, I prefer weekly on my tanks.

 

[SaltySmith]

The first water change is typically about 75% in order to reduce the nutrients in the system following the cycle. Then, after that, starting up the 10-30% water change schedule.

The filter sock is typically changed whenever it gets clogged or during a water change. The carbon is also changed when it is depleted....some run carbon 24/7 others rarely run it. As for a sponge, depends what and how you are using it. I don't use sponges in my system, except for inside HOB small tanks for quarantine.

Oh wow, I should of done a 75% water change?

 

[Idoc]

Oh wow, I should of done a 75% water change?

That's what I typically do with a new tank. This helps to remove almost all the nitrates and phosphates that were made during the cycling process so that they aren't around to fuel an algae bloom.

 

[SaltySmith]

That's what I typically do with a new tank. This helps to remove almost all the nitrates and phosphates that were made during the cycling process so that they aren't around to fuel an algae bloom.

I see! Is it normal to have a small nitrite spike when adding in new fish. (added 2 clowns 2 days ago, and my nitrites are slightly up)

 

[slythy]

I did a 90% basically left the water in the sump the day before i got my first fish.

All i do is a weekly 10% or if im lazy biweekly 20% change. Then change my socks every wed/sunday.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have a water box 20 and today was my first water change since the cycle finished. I did a 10% change as I plan on doing water changes weekly. I changed the filter sock but not the sponge and carbon. Should I replace those or wash them out?

Thank you for your help

Filters socks can be washed in a washing machine on gentle cycle with low spin and air dry

 

[SaltySmith]

Filters socks can be washed in a washing machine on gentle cycle with low spin and air dry

Thanks! what about the carbon and sponge?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Thanks! what about the carbon and sponge?

Filter sponge - rinse
Carbon - Change every 3 months or so

 

[CK00020]

What do you use to wash the socks in the washing machine, and have you tried mesh socks?

 

[DHill6]

What do you use to wash the socks in the washing machine, and have you tried mesh socks?

Mesh socks don’t catch everything, a lot gets through. Pinky floss catches a lot. I cut squares of it and toss out every 3-4 days. It catches the small stuff.

 

[CK00020]

I do the squares also

 

[Idoc]

I see! Is it normal to have a small nitrite spike when adding in new fish. (added 2 clowns 2 days ago, and my nitrites are slightly up)

Yes, as the nutrients break down, they will change from nitrites to nitrates.