Our experience has indicated that one of the least complicated routines that will assist you in maintaining a problem-free ecosystem is performing smaller, more frequent water changes. The keywords here are routine, smaller and frequent. Whatever you decide upon, just do it--same day, same size every week. Make it a routine! We highly recommend that you try to perform 5-10% weekly water changes (5 for lower stocking levels, 10 for higher levels) rather than 10-20% changes every other week (again, 10 for lower stocking levels, 20 for higher levels)... and 10-20% water changes every other week are definitely better than 20-30% water changes monthly! Try to stay away from monthly water changes if you want true success--regardless of opinions you may read (written mainly by lazy people). Remember consistency is important in maintaining water quality. Larger, less frequent changes disrupt the chemical stability of the ecosystem more than smaller, more frequent changes. Plus, you won’t have to work as hard to maintain system parameters, such as pH, alkalinity, hardness, calcium, iodine, etc, with more frequent water changes using properly conditioned water. To properly prepare your new water, it should aerate for at least 24 hours with whatever water conditioners your system requires, i.e., salt, buffer, electrolyte restorers, etc. These guidelines are the same for freshwater, marine or brackish systems.

If you get in the habit of performing smaller changes on a more frequent basis, over time as the routine settles in, it actually becomes very easy to do, second nature so to speak. Whereas, lengthier intervals between water changes tend to cause even further procrastination because it becomes such an ordeal. Also, say you do get in the habit of performing weekly 5% water changes (on a 120 gallon tank that’s only 6 gallons of water!) and get so busy one week that you forget. Don’t fret, you’ll be okay if it only happens occasionally--however, don’t try to make it up by performing twice as much the following week. Stick to your 5%. The system will quickly balance out again over a few weeks.

Always keep system balance in the forefront of your mind. You want to maintain stability and consistency and cause as little disruption as possible. We insist that water changes are a vital and essential part of capturing a thriving slice of aquatic wonder in your home. Long-term success will be very elusive for you until you embrace this methodology--so don’t be lazy here! Remember this is the air your fish breathe. Keep it clean!