Do I Need To Do A Weekly Water Change If My Nitrate Isn't Going Up?

In my 20 and 40 gallon tanks, the nitrate level isn't climbing since adding all these plants. I think the 40 gallon is actually going DOWN.

Now both of these tanks are what I'd consider fully stocked. I'll let some of my molly fry grow up and stay in the 40, but the 20 already has 23 harlequin rasboras so I don't think I should add any more to that.

So with that said, I understand that water changes are important to replenish nutrients, but I'm wondering if maybe I should do it every other week instead then?

 

For planted tanks water changes are more about replenishing some micro nutrients that your plants I’ll absorb. That being said if the nitrates aren’t going up and he plants are not showing any deficiencies their is no reason not to cut back on water changes. Watch out with the lowering nitrates if the nitrates reach zero all the plants will die. So you may eventually need to supliment nitrate in that tank.

 

Thank you. Just in case it came to that (my 40 gallon has a DIY algae scrubber running so it might), how would you supplement nitrate?

 

Their are many all in one plant supplements but seachem has a nitrate supplement in liquid form. I just use the whole seachem line as I have super heavily planted tanks and they have lot of deficiencies.

 

Oh excellent, I'll look into that.

Another question since I have you here, did you determine the deficiencies just by looking at the plants, or did you have the water tested to see what is missing? I run mine though a salt-based softener which strips out some nutrients, I'm sure.

 

Here this may be of some use in determining what's going on if you have problems.

Frankly if the nitrate readings are sitting at 0 and the plants are still looking good it just means the nitrates fron the fish waste are being consumed as quickly as its being produced amd not being left free floating in the water you are testing. Plants will tend to regulate themselves based on available nutrients. Its not a bad thing.

I have all of my tanks planted and my heavuly planted tanks only get water changes every second to third week. And they are thriving. Weekly water changes are important when you don't have plants to help balance out the nitrates being produced. But plants can really slow down how often water changes need to happen. Just test regularly to get to know when your tanks need it.
Also, water changes shouldn't stop or go too long because of the amount of TDS (total dissolved solids) that build up in the water. There are things plants don't absorb afterall. And you lower TDS with water changes.

 

Thank you! And that's a pretty handy pic, I'll definitely come back to it when needed

 

You certianly could cut back on the water changes and it wouldnt be too much of a bad thing. But:

1. Waste buildup will increase, which will increase ammonia production rate. So it could actually send the Nitrate level rising again. something to keep an eye on.
2. the best thing for the health of the aquarium, though more labour intensive, would be to remain at a constant water change level and dose daily complete ferts! Clean tank, happy plants!

 

I'm actually ok continuing with weekly water changes.

1) It makes me feel like a good fish owner
2) It's super quick and easy with my Python
3) It gives me awesome water for my outdoor plants!

 

I'm actually ok continuing with weekly water changes.

1) It makes me feel like a good fish owner
2) It's super quick and easy with my Python
3) It gives me awesome water for my outdoor plants!

then keep it up! I totally agree and love my weekly routine and pristine clear tank. Start dosing ferts IMO and start seeing great plant results

 

The great thing about heavily planted tanks.
I still do weekly water changes on my farm tank and my main one every Thursday or Friday, especially since my main tank has a pretty hefty stock, but everything is balanced and runs well.