I need to do a water change

I’ve noticed that a few of my fish have red marks on their mouth and some on their tail, and I’ve recently learned that’s ammonia burns. I was wondering, I’ve only done 10% water changes (did one yesterday as well) but I want to completely reduce the ammonia by going for a 50% water change. Should I wait or should I do it?

 

I see no reason to wait. If you believe that your fish are suffering from ammonia, you should do a 50% WC asap.

 

Are you doing a fish-in cycle? How big is your tank?

 

do it. try doing two 50% water changes a couple hours apart. raise the weekly water change to about 20-30 percent to avoid buildup of toxic waste.

 

And try to get some Prime water conditioner (by Seachem). It doesn't get rid of the ammonia, but it does stop the toxicity. You will need it if you are doing a fish-in cycle. You can add some every day as needed.

 

I see no reason to wait. If you believe that your fish are suffering from ammonia you should do a 50% WC asap.

Ok thank you. I don’t think my fish are suffering from ammonia burns after the water change, but I want to be safe so I’m going to for it later

Are you doing a fish-in cycle? How big is your tank?

My tank is 29 Gallons, and I’ve had it since February 20.

do it. try doing two 50% water changes a couple hours apart. raise the weekly water change to about 20-30 percent to avoid buildup of toxic waste.

I’m planning on doing a 50% one later today, and one on Saturday. I’m getting a testing kit soon so I think it might be necessary

And try to get some Prime water conditioner (by Seachem). It doesn't get rid of the ammonia, but it does stop the toxicity. You will need it if you are doing a fish-in cycle. You can add some every day as needed.

Oh, I already have water conditioner from Python.

 

Do you have a test kit to test your water parameters? API freshwater test kit is what most people use. It lasts a long time, and is much better than the test strips. You will be able to know exactly what is up with your tank water after using it.

 

Do you have a test kit to test your water parameters? API freshwater test kit is what most people use. It lasts a long time, and is much better than the test strips. You will be able to know exactly what is up with your tank water after using it.

I don’t unfortunately. I ordered one yesterday that is supposed to arrive Monday, so I’m going to do a 50% water change to reduce the ammonia. I’ll do one today and I might do one Saturday but I’m not sure.

 

I also advise that you continue to do 50% water changes weekly once your cycle is complete. If you were not planning to do so already.

 

I also advise that you continue to do 50% water changes weekly once your cycle is complete. If you were not planning to do so already.

I’ll probably go for 25% instead. I think a 50% water change is very major now that I think about it. Thank you for your help though.

I’ve noticed that a few of my fish have red marks on their mouth and some on their tail, and I’ve recently learned that’s ammonia burns. I was wondering, I’ve only done 10% water changes (did one yesterday as well) but I want to completely reduce the ammonia by going for a 50% water change. Should I wait or should I do it?

Update: Now that I look back, I guess the water change yesterday helped out a lot. I will probably do one in a few days, but I won’t do one today.

 

I’ll probably go for 25% instead. I think a 50% water change is very major now that I think about it. Thank you for your help though.

Mmm. I'd be doing 50% water changes if I were you, just saying. When you do water changes, you replenish the amount of minerals in your water like magnesium, calcium, and other minerals that contribute to the growth and functionality of your aquarium.

Over time, your fish will get used to your specific water parameters, especially KH & GH. Doing a 25% WC is good but is also a risk for the future. If you have some sort of emergency where you spill an oil or over dose a medication into your tank, a 50% WC would be something to consider. However, if you've been doing 25% WCs for the past year or so, there's a risk that your fish could go into shock and die. The reason? well they were not used to the amount of water being changed in their home.

Moral of the story? just start doing 50% WCs now. It's healthy for your fish and risk-free; if you do it correctly. I rest my case.

 

Mmm. I'd be doing 50% water changes if I were you, just saying. When you do water changes, you replenish the amount of minerals in your water like magnesium, calcium, and other minerals that contribute to the growth and functionality of your aquarium.

Over time, your fish will get used to your PH, KH, and GH. Doing a 25% WC is good but is also a risk for the future. If you have some sort of emergency where you spill an oil or over dose a medication into your tank, a 50% WC would be something to consider. However, if you've been doing 25% WCs for the past year or so, there's a high risk that your fish could go into shock and die.

Moral of the story? just start doing 50% WCs now. It's healthy for your fish and risk-free; if you do it correctly. I rest my case.

I haven’t been doing 50% water changes for the past year, I’ve only been doing 10% water changes since I got the tank and they seem fine, so do you think I should go for a 50% water change (29 gallon tank) or wait until my kit arrives and test the water.

Mmm. I'd be doing 50% water changes if I were you, just saying. When you do water changes, you replenish the amount of minerals in your water like magnesium, calcium, and other minerals that contribute to the growth and functionality of your aquarium.

Over time, your fish will get used to your PH, KH, and GH. Doing a 25% WC is good but is also a risk for the future. If you have some sort of emergency where you spill an oil or over dose a medication into your tank, a 50% WC would be something to consider. However, if you've been doing 25% WCs for the past year or so, there's a high risk that your fish could go into shock and die. The reason? well they were not used to the amount of water being changed in their home.

Moral of the story? just start doing 50% WCs now. It's healthy for your fish and risk-free; if you do it correctly. I rest my case.

Plus, the only time I see red now is when it’s breathing from the mouth. Idk if that’s considered ammonia burns. Sorry for my ignorance.

 

I haven’t been doing 50% water changes for the past year, I’ve only been doing 10% water changes since I got the tank and they seem fine, so do you think I should go for a 50% water change (29 gallon tank) or wait until my kit arrives and test the water.

Hold up. Is your tank cycled? If it isn't cycled, everything I was saying is irrelevant and you should really focus on trying to get it cycled.

Honestly, I'm just going to hand this over to mattgirl. She will know exactly how to help you.

 

Hold up. Is your tank cycled? If it isn't cycled, everything I was saying is irrelevant and you should really focus on trying to get it cycled.

Honestly, I'm just going to hand this over to mattgirl. She will know exactly how to help you but for now, it's imperative that you fill out this template ---> Nitrogen Cycle Template | Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle Forum | 494741

It will help her assist you better.

I’m sorry I don’t know if it’s cycled atm, I don’t have my water test kit. I’ve realized that I only see red spots on my fish when they’re eating, so I might just wait until I see red on the body to do something.

 

I’ve noticed that a few of my fish have red marks on their mouth and some on their tail, and I’ve recently learned that’s ammonia burns. I was wondering, I’ve only done 10% water changes (did one yesterday as well) but I want to completely reduce the ammonia by going for a 50% water change. Should I wait or should I do it?

Update: I’m sorry but I think the fish in my tank are doing fine. It’s been a few hours and they have no more red spots. I apologize. I’m new to this.

 

no problem, now that the ammonia is more or less gone, the problem needs to be fixed.

I suggest you do a fish in cycle. its very easy, and you don't need to think about it too much. how its done is you limit the feeding of your fish, making it so they don't poop as much, lessening the ammonia levels. the tank will slowly cycle without the water becoming toxic https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfishforum/threads/fish-in-nitrogen-cycle-simplified.414083/

 

no problem, now that the ammonia is more or less gone, the problem needs to be fixed.

I suggest you do a fish in cycle. its very easy, and you don't need to think about it too much. how its done is you limit the feeding of your fish, making it so they don't poop as much, lessening the ammonia levels. the tank will slowly cycle without the water becoming toxic Fish In Nitrogen Cycle Simplified | Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle Forum | 414083

Yeah. I don’t feed my fish too much to avoid over feeding. So I should be fine with the ammonia. I’m getting a water testing kit on Monday, so I’ll determine if a water change is necessary. If it’s not, I’ll wait a month and see if it’s necessary again.

 

Yeah. I don’t feed my fish too much to avoid over feeding. So I should be fine with the ammonia. I’m getting a water testing kit on Monday, so I’ll determine if a water change is necessary. If it’s not, I’ll wait a month and see if it’s necessary again.

You shouldn't wait an entire month. Ammonia spikes happen relatively quickly. I'd be testing every day if I were you, but that's just my advice.

 

I apologise if this has already been asked/answered...but...

You have a 29 gallon aquarium since February this year....what is your stocking (species/number of fish)?

It really sounds like the aquarium is fighting to maintain water quality, that often indicates that you bought the aquarium and put the fish into it almost immediately and before the aquarium had time to estabilish a healthy balance of good bacteria...otherwise known as the cycle

A cycle without fish can take anything tween 6 to sometimes 8 weeks or more. A cycle with fish you can add another 3 to 4 weeks on top of that.

A good routine every week, ideally on the same day each week, is to do a 50% water change for 3 weeks then a 60-75% water change on the 4th week. Hoover/clean substrate weekly before refilling the water (shallower water makes substrate cleaning easier and less messy), test your water every week unless you see spiking then increase to daily on testing and lighter (30%) water changes

Routine is absolutely essential....vigilance is essential when dealing with spiking especiaaaly in an uncycled or partially cycled aquarium

What have you got in your aquarium....cos another reason for spiking even in a fully prepared aquarium is overstocking....as in too many fish of the wrong sort pruducing too much pee and poo and spiking the water quality with waste

 

You shouldn't wait an entire month. Ammonia spikes happen relatively quickly. I'd be testing every day if I were you, but that's just my advice.

Do you recommend I do 10% every week? I have a 29 gallon tank.

 

Do you recommend I do 10% every week? I have a 29 gallon tank.

You need to do 50% each week for 3 weeks and one week of 60-75% especially when you are having water quality issues such as ammonia

 

You need to do 50% each week for 3 weeks and one week of 60-75% especially when you are having water quality issues such as ammonia

No I meant should I do 10% per week after I get the ammonia down.

 

No I meant should I do 10% per week after I get the ammonia down.

Once your tank is completely cycled with zero ammonia and zero nitrites, do water changes as necessary to keep nitrates under control. Even once your tank is cycled, you should test weekly and do some sort of a water change to get into a routine. Other harmful compounds can build up over time in your tank that you cannot test for which is why many of us on Fishlore believe it is imperative to continue doing water changes weekly after the tank cycles. 35% a week would be better than 10% and 50% water changes weekly would be ideal. Clean water is the single best indicator for healthy fish, hands down. The lack of water changes in a cycled tank is what also causes old tank syndrome, which is a serious pain to deal with.

 

No I meant should I do 10% per week after I get the ammonia down.

No...50% minimum EVERY week. You only have one aquarium, it will take you around an hour once per week, every week to do your maintenance including a 50% water change

You are responsible for your fish health and welfare, you must set aside time one day every week and do the right thing by your animals.

10% of a 29 gallon aquarium is not enough...especially with ammonia spiking....I am sorry but you absolutely must step up and do 50% once a week once your water quality is right.

 

No...50% minimum EVERY week. You only have one aquarium, it will take you around an hour once per week, every week to do your maintenance including a 50% water change

You are responsible for your fish health and welfare, you must set aside time one day every week and do the right thing by your animals.

10% of a 29 gallon aquarium is not enough...especially with ammonia spiking....I am sorry but you absolutely must step up and do 50% once a week once your water quality is right.

Ok. Thanks for the advice.

 

Ok. Thanks for the advice.

I know that sometimes I might come across as being harsh, but when venturing into fishkeeping, some people think..or are told by aquatics chainstore staff...that its a piece of cake to keep fish. Just fill the aquarium up, make it look pretty and drop the fish in.

It truly is not that easy. Years ago when I started keeping fish it was simple but now things have changed dramatically. Fish are not as strong as they used to be, tapwater is not as pure as it used to be and as a result you have to do alot more basic maintenance such as big water changes every week just to keep your fish alive and healthy.

It can be overwhelming....dealing with the cycle, waiting for it to finish (often more than a month or two) before getting the right fish, getting yourself into a strict weekly routine of maintenance and care for the fish and the water.....it is NOT easy. It can be exhausing, it can be soul destroying when you do everything right and yet you still lose fish....it can be expensive both financially and in time taken.

You have to remember that your fish are depending on you, they cannot tell you when something is wrong...although after a while you can identify body language or feeding issues...you have to be vigilant, be careful, be strict on a routine....even when you really do not feel like doing it, you have to cos your fish are depending on you to be there for them 24/7.

So please act on the advice you are being given here, don't brush it off and carry on with the tiny water changes cos your fish deserver much better than that from you....you are their guardian and their protector and when cared for properly they are the most rewarding animals ever. But you have to put in the time and effort cos they cannot do it on their own, they need you and they need you to keep a routine.....do that and you'll have many years of happy fish

 

I know that sometimes I might come across as being harsh, but when venturing into fishkeeping, some people think..or are told by aquatics chainstore staff...that its a piece of cake to keep fish. Just fill the aquarium up, make it look pretty and drop the fish in.

It truly is not that easy. Years ago when I started keeping fish it was simple but now things have changed dramatically. Fish are not as strong as they used to be, tapwater is not as pure as it used to be and as a result you have to do alot more basic maintenance such as big water changes every week just to keep your fish alive and healthy.

It can be overwhelming....dealing with the cycle, waiting for it to finish (often more than a month or two) before getting the right fish, getting yourself into a strict weekly routine of maintenance and care for the fish and the water.....it is NOT easy. It can be exhausing, it can be soul destroying when you do everything right and yet you still lose fish....it can be expensive both financially and in time taken.

You have to remember that your fish are depending on you, they cannot tell you when something is wrong...although after a while you can identify body language or feeding issues...you have to be vigilant, be careful, be strict on a routine....even when you really do not feel like doing it, you have to cos your fish are depending on you to be there for them 24/7.

So please act on the advice you are being given here, don't brush it off and carry on with the tiny water changes cos your fish deserver much better than that from you....you are their guardian and their protector and when cared for properly they are the most rewarding animals ever. But you have to put in the time and effort cos they cannot do it on their own, they need you and they need you to keep a routine.....do that and you'll have many years of happy fish

You’re not being rude at all don’t worry, you’re just teaching me that fish keeping is not easy, and I respect that. I just have a question: I have 2 pregnant guppies in my tank, and they both have poop hanging from them for probably 5 minutes, should I be concerned.

 

You’re not being rude at all don’t worry, you’re just teaching me that fish keeping is not easy, and I respect that. I just have a question: I have 2 pregnant guppies in my tank, and they both have poop hanging from them for probably 5 minutes, should I be concerned.

You'll more than likely find the poo draped over an ornament or plant somewhere, fish do frequently trail their poo behind them like a streamer, unless its a weird colour like white or clear, there isn't anything to be concerned about, it will drop off once they have finished "going".

 

You'll more than likely find the poo draped over an ornament or plant somewhere, fish do frequently trail their poo behind them like a streamer, unless its a weird colour like white or clear, there isn't anything to be concerned about, it will drop off once they have finished "going".

OH GOOD. I thought my fish had a parasite. Thank you! I will still continue to do good water changes weekly (20-25% because my fish store said 50% is only in case of emergency) and make sure my fish are healthy.

 

Also just another tip, I wouldn't buy into everything the fish or pet stores say. They're not always reliable in my short experience. It's best to do your own research and learn your own facts so people won't dare tell you nonsense. Which is why it's so good that you've joined this forum. ( :

 

Also just another tip, I wouldn't buy into everything the fish or pet stores say. They're not always reliable in my short experience. It's best to do your own research and learn your own facts so people won't dare tell you nonsense. Which is why it's so good that you've joined this forum. ( :

Yes. I joined the forum to get specific answers and I’m able to take pictures. I’m learning every day and I hope I’m not annoying everyone.

 

Annoying? You're not annoying anyone AT ALL. Everyone here wants the best for your fish and will answer ALL of your questions 24/7.

 

Annoying? What? You're not annoying anyone AT ALL. Everyone here wants the best for your fish and will answer ALL of your questions 24/7.

Thank you so much! I had fish when I was in 5th grade, and I didn’t do any water changes or gravel cleans, I went on a vacation leaving the lights on, and when I got home my tank water looked like orange juice. So safe to say I’m learning from my mistakes.

 

Yes. I joined the forum to get specific answers and I’m able to take pictures. I’m learning every day and I hope I’m not annoying everyone.

You won't annoy anyone unless you completely ignore what people are advising you to do

Many of us have kept fish for decades (47 years myself) and alot of us have multiple aquariums (I have 5).....we have been there, done that and got the holes in the bank balance to prove it. Unlike some of the fish shop staff we won't blind you with science or feed you what we want you to hear cos we aren't advising you with the goal of making a sale...we speak from experience, both good and bad experience which is why some might get annoyed if you are advised to do things a certain way and you do not do it.

 

You won't annoy anyone unless you completely ignore what people are advising you to do

Many of us have kept fish for decades (47 years myself) and alot of us have multiple aquariums (I have 5).....we have been there, done that and got the holes in the bank balance to prove it. Unlike some of the fish shop staff we won't blind you with science or feed you what we want you to hear cos we aren't advising you with the goal of making a sale...we speak from experience, both good and bad experience which is why some might get annoyed if you are advised to do things a certain way and you do not do it.

Ok thanks. I’m glad I joined this forum because I can get very good answers. I’m getting a water testing kit on Monday, and will determine how much of a water change is necessary by the PPM. I will do weekly water changes, and make sure my fish don’t get sick.

 

Ok thanks. I’m glad I joined this forum because I can get very good answers. I’m getting a water testing kit on Monday, and will determine how much of a water change is necessary by the PPM. I will do weekly water changes, and make sure my fish don’t get sick.

If you will get in the habit of changing out 50% of the water in your tank each and every week your fish should live long healthy lives. I have been in this hobby for a very long time. Long before the internet was even a thing.

When I got my first tank it came with a little leaflet. The one thing it stressed above all else was how important fresh clean water was to the health of my fish. Since that very first tank I have changed out half the water every week and then once a month I change out even more. I have to think that is the main reason I have never had to deal with any kind of fish disease.

Try to imagine having to live in an old fashioned outhouse. (google it if you don't know what that is) That is what fish are living in if we don't keep up with our water changes. When you get your test kit it may tell you ammonia and nitrites are zero and the nitrates may be low. You are going to think there is no reason for a water change with numbers like that.

The thing is, there are things that build up in our tanks over time that most of us don't test for. As long as you do your weekly water changes those things will not just keep building up. Without regular big water changes if one day you have to do a big water change it could end up killing all your fish because you have allowed the parameters in the tank to slowly drift away from the parameters of your tap water. Your fish won't be able to handle the drastic difference. All this can be prevented simply by doing your weekly 50% water changes.

We can only advise from our experiences. It is up to you to do the work though. I have fish in my main tank right now where the normal lifespan is about 4 years. They have been with me going on 6 years now. I attribute that to the fact that I keep their water fresh and clean.

 

If you will get in the habit of changing out 50% of the water in your tank each and every week your fish should live long healthy lives. I have been in this hobby for a very long time. Long before the internet was even a thing.

When I got my first tank it came with a little leaflet. The one thing it stressed above all else was how important fresh clean water was to the health of my fish. Since that very first tank I have changed out half the water every week and then once a month I change out even more. I have to think that is the main reason I have never had to deal with any kind of fish disease.

Try to imagine having to live in an old fashioned outhouse. (google it if you don't know what that is) That is what fish are living in if we don't keep up with our water changes. When you get your test kit it may tell you ammonia and nitrites are zero and the nitrates may be low. You are going to think there is no reason for a water change with numbers like that.

The thing is, there are things that build up in our tanks over time that most of us don't test for. As long as you do your weekly water changes those things will not just keep building up. Without regular big water changes if one day you have to do a big water change it could end up killing all your fish because you have allowed the parameters in the tank to slowly drift away from the parameters of your tap water. Your fish won't be able to handle the drastic difference. All this can be prevented simply by doing your weekly 50% water changes.

We can only advise from our experiences. It is up to you to do the work though. I have fish in my main tank right now where the normal lifespan is about 4 years. They have been with me going on 6 years now. I attribute that to the fact that I keep their water fresh and clean.

Ok thank you. What I took from that is weekly 25% water changes are good. My local fish store said that huge water changes can remove a lot of beneficial bacteria, but I will listen to the people with the longer experience. Thank you for your information.

 

Ok thank you. What I took from that is weekly 25% water changes are good. My local fish store said that huge water changes can remove a lot of beneficial bacteria, but I will listen to the people with the longer experience. Thank you for your information.

The bacteria is not free floating in the water so doing water changes is not removing any of it. The bacteria is living on your filter media and on all the surfaces in the tank. I think the folks at your LFS need to be better educated.

I didn't say 25% weekly water changes. I recommend 50% weekly water changes.

 

Ok thank you. What I took from that is weekly 25% water changes are good. My local fish store said that huge water changes can remove a lot of beneficial bacteria, but I will listen to the people with the longer experience. Thank you for your information.

There is hardly any BB in the water column, probably 90% or more is in the filter and on various surfaces in the tank like rocks, substrate, and the inside walls of the tank. I’ve done 75% WCs and a full substrate change without messing up my cycle.

 

There is hardly any BB in the water column, probably 90% or more is in the filter and on various surfaces in the tank like rocks, substrate, and the inside walls of the tank. I’ve done 75% WCs and a full substrate change without messing up my cycle.

Ok thank you. I’m planning on replacing the filter cartridge at the end of the month (I have a quietflow filter) so I’m wondering if I should still do it.