rhouston

In case it wasn't evident from the title, I am a complete newb. I set up a 10 gallon tank for my daughter for Christmas and am using 3 zebra danios to cycle it. I didn't come to the internet for advice until after I'd started this process and once I did I realized that the pet store had given me all kinds of bad advice. I probably would have done a fishless cycle among other things. But get this: They also told me that testing "all that level stuff" was not necessary. The danios have been in my tank for about 3 days now and all appears to be going OK to my naive eyes, but after this afternoon's internet research I realize I've been very negligent by not purchasing any testing stuff. So this afternoon I'm going out to get that and will try to by a more informed fish owner. Once I realized my mistake I thought that I should do a water change even without yet knowing what my levels are. My rationale was that if ammonia or something was really high, that would help. But if all levels were OK, I guessed it would be harmless. It brought up the question: Are water changes ever bad? They can certainly be unnecessary, but can it actually cause harm?

pinkfloydpuffer

The only time waterchanges should be a problem is the new water is a significantly different temperature from the tank water, or occasionally if there's a big difference in the chemsitry of the water then it can cause shock to the fish. But other than that I can't think of any good reasons why water changes are bad.

By the way, the API master test kit is one of the best out there, I highly recommend it

Lucy

Hi Welcome to Fish Lore

I don't think water changes can ever be bad unless you were medicating and removed the meds before they were supposed to be.
Other than that water changes are good. Especially when cycling with fish.

Good job on your research and the water change, good call.
The API master kit is highly recommended. Try and avoid the the strips, they can be inaccurate and more costly in the long run.

I guess by reading you know you're looking at daily water changes until the tank cycles.
If you use Prime or Stress Coat+ as your water conditioner, they'll detox the ammonia for 24hrs between water changes making the water safer for your fish but still make the ammonia available to the bacteria.

Good luck!

Edit: Good point PFP!

catbtony

Welcome to fishlore.....

For me, I do at the least 50-75% weekly water changes, and on 2 of my tanks I do 50% daily water changes due to betta fry because I do not use any type of filter untl they are at least 60 days of age. I don not feel you can do too many water changes I am sure some will disagree, when you think about it...the fish does all their business in the tank (poop).
For myself, if you practice good husbandry you will have very little problems if any..this is water changes, water changes, water changes......
As far a testing the water, for me, again if you do reg. scheduled water changes of at least 25-50% weekly, I don't test my water reg. and when I do test it is with the test strips and API ammonia; but only if a fish is showing signs of problems between water changes and when you test and if anything is wrong the treatment is Water change.
It is recomended on this site to get the API water test kit due to the water test strips will give you the wrong readings, I disagree, I have yet to find any scientific research that support those finding, but that is up to you and many on this site will disagree with me on the API test kit, I feel its money wasted. If you practice proper husbandry.
Most problems with tanks and fish are the result of poor water related to poor husbandry practices...in other words if you don't change the water your fish will get sick and die, also be aware of additives in your city water supply and treat as need to make your tank water safe for your fish, your fish breath in their water so it needs to be cleaned.
So no, I do not feel you can change too much too often on a fish tank, I have been in this hobby for 30+ years and rarely if ever have any problems, sick or dead fish related to change water..preventive matiance and care, lots of research, reading and mistakes that you learn from, good luck and enjoy for this is a wonderful hobby.