When to do a Water Change?

[FirstContact]

If you are controlling N & P with bio media in the sump, rock and sand in the DT, chaeto in the refugium, and dripping SeaKlear into a 10 micron sock every now and then, when would you do a water change in a fish only tank? Also, I run ozone. Not sure if that comes into play with water changes.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

In a fish only, I expect you can do them pretty infrequently. If you notice an apparent change in the fish when you do, I might do them more frequently. I don't have a specific time frame to suggest.

 

[FirstContact]

Thanks Randy. I’ll keep that in mind when I do a change next and see if anybody reacts differently.

 

[rygh]

I would say : Do water changes monthly, but really just as you vacuum detritus.
Maybe just me, but it seemed that FOWLR accumulated more detritus.
A good idea to vacuum it out, and as a bonus you get a small water change.

 

[PatW]

On a FOWLR, I would think that 10% per month for detritus removal would be good. Also that turns over 120% of your tank’s volume per year. It is probably way more than needed but I think running with a safety margin is a good thing.

 

[FirstContact]

That sounds like reasonable and good advice. I’ll start with 10% a month in mind and go from there.

Thanks!