Water change process?

I find that quite rude.
Click to expand...

Would you rather she force it on you? I think it is polite of her to ask if you want stocking advice rather than forcing it on you. She did it the proper way. Most people will just start barking stocking issues at you!

What would you prefer?
 

Advertisement
Would you rather she force it on you? I think it is polite of her to ask if you want stocking advice rather than forcing it on you. She did it the proper way. Most people will just start barking stocking issues at you!

What would you prefer?
Click to expand...

I’d rather not argue on a FISH website

Would you rather she force it on you? I think it is polite of her to ask if you want stocking advice rather than forcing it on you. She did it the proper way. Most people will just start barking stocking issues at you!

What would you prefer?
Click to expand...

Why did you click on this thread? To help me or to insult me?
 

Advertisement
Why did you click on this thread? To help me or to insult me?
Click to expand...

How have I insulted you?????

I was planning to get involved in your thread to help you. (Even though you are already getting great help)

But if you feel my post was insulting you then never mind. I was just pointing out that people are going to have issues with your stocking and Texas was being very polite by not forcing it on you.
 
Many people are not aware that they may have behavioral or temperature incompatibilities in their tanks. We bring it up, not to be rude, but to find out if you would like to talk about them. No one is attacking or criticizing or insulting you. We care about the health and the happiness of the fish, which is why we try to offer helpful advice and address someone's stocking.

No one is arguing with you, and there is no need to argue either. Most people are happy to hear what potential issues others see in their tanks. We can't force you to change anything, but one would think knowing what could happen in your tank would be beneficial to you, and that you'd be receptive to it.

Since you asked what I meant, I will address your stocking issues. You can take it or leave it. However, you do have stocking issues in your tank that will result in illness for at least one fish in the tank.

Dwarf gourami males will fight or bully each other. Females are hard to find and less colorful than males (usually a dullish silver color). A M/F pair is fine, but keeping two males will likely result in injury or death to one of the males.

Bala sharks need a much larger tank than a 29 gal, and they should be in groups. Kept in your tank, he will be stunted and lead a much shorter, and more sickly, life.

Neons should be in a larger group. 8-10 would be a good number for this tank.
 
Keep the temp in mind.. sudden fluctuation can give the fishes a shock ( if there is a lot of difference between yhe old and new water)
 
Right now I just have 2 nerite snails in a 4 gallon tank and I plan on getting a betta after the holidays but I'm trying learn as much as I can before then. I just got a python pro clean gravel vaccume and I used it tonight but I wasn't able to clean very much of the gravel before the water level in the tank got down to about 25-30%. So when I do get a betta do I need to take him out of the tank to clean? How much water should I take out at a time and how often should I clean the gravel? My snails seem to really poop a lot so I was excited to get the siphon!
 

Advertisement
I wouldn’t use a python on a 4 gallon tank, you should buy a tiny regular syphon so it doesn’t suck the water out so quickly.
 
Its going to be hard to do a water change with a python in a 4 gallon tank. Your talking about the one that hooks up to the faucet right?
I do a 50% water change once a week on all my tanks and I think most people recommend it. I would not take him out because that is very stressful to your fish. You can clean one side of your gravel one week and the other the next week but I don't think it hurts to clean it all at one that's what I do and I haven't had any issues.
 
Right now I just have 2 nerite snails in a 4 gallon tank and I plan on getting a betta after the holidays but I'm trying learn as much as I can before then. I just got a python pro clean gravel vaccume and I used it tonight but I wasn't able to clean very much of the gravel before the water level in the tank got down to about 25-30%. So when I do get a betta do I need to take him out of the tank to clean? How much water should I take out at a time and how often should I clean the gravel? My snails seem to really poop a lot so I was excited to get the siphon!
Click to expand...
If you kink the hose it will slow down water flow
 
Its going to be hard to do a water change with a python in a 4 gallon tank. Your talking about the one that hooks up to the faucet right?
I do a 50% water change once a week on all my tanks and I think most people recommend it. I would not take him out because that is very stressful to your fish. You can clean one side of your gravel one week and the other the next week but I don't think it hurts to clean it all at one that's what I do and I haven't had any issues.
Click to expand...
No its just the hose, there's no sink hook up

I wouldn’t use a python on a 4 gallon tank, you should buy a tiny regular syphon so it doesn’t suck the water out so quickly.
Click to expand...
Do you think I could just take the large hard plastic piece off and then just use the smaller softer plastic hose?
 
oh ok. lol I was like I have no idea how you got any cleaning done. The python I was talking about hooks up to the sink and it goes pretty quick. I am sorry about that.
 

Advertisement



Do you think I could just take the large hard plastic piece off and then just use the smaller softer plastic hose?
Click to expand...
I’ve never thought of or tried that, but it can’t hurt to try. Or as someone else mentioned, just bend the hose so less water can go through.
 
This may be more suitable for a 4 gallon tank, compared to a Python.....

Topfin aquarium gravel vacuum

This and a bucket should work better for your application.....
 
you can use a MaxI jet to vacuum without removing water. it can be a water polisher, skimmer, water pump, water changer.

 
Joey is awesome, I have always wanted to make this DIY project.

Maybe I can find a cheap powerhead on sale on Cyber Monday in a few weeks!
 
Hello guys, I have a 5 gallon tank with a sponge filter, I started this tank like 4 moths ago and until yesterday it only have one apple snail! Yesterday I buy another apple snail and a female betta fish, I have 2 questions? First is that I not sure if its too much biological load? and second is that I don't know how much water chance every water change and how often should I do it? Thanks a lot
 
The bioload isn’t too high, but with a tank that small I’m not too sure on water change frequency...
 
I would definitely not suggest that as they get extremely territorial in small spaces
 

Advertisement



The water changes should be weekly, but the amount I’m not sure enough to answer, and I would just keep 2 snails and the betta.

If I remember correctly, apple snails are also the largest freshwater snail, so they will need to given to someone with a bigger tank or you will need to upgrade in the next month or so

Platylover , I need some help explaining
 
The water changes should be weekly, but the amount I’m not sure enough to answer, and I would just keep 2 snails and the betta.
Click to expand...
if you were me how much water would change weekly

If I remember correctly, apple snails are also the largest freshwater snail, so they will need to given to someone with a bigger tank or you will need to upgrade in the next month or so
Click to expand...
I can put the apple snail in a 10 gallon tanks that I have, but I don't want to leave the female betta alone, what's your advice?
 
I personally would do 25%, but Platylover may be able to advise you better on your situation as of the moment

What is in the 10 gallon?
 
What is in the 10 gallon?
Click to expand...
there's nothing, the cycle ends on January 25

I personally would do 25%, but Platylover may be able to advise you better on your situation as of the moment
Click to expand...
Lets see what Platylover says

What is in the 10 gallon?
Click to expand...
Do you recommend me leave the female betta alone? Or I can put her some company? Who will be a good company thanks
 
I would not add anything else as her tank mates besides snails or shrimp.
 
I would not add anything else as her tank mates besides snails or shrimp.
Click to expand...
Would you keep the 2 snails with the betta? and how much water would you change weekly?
 
Would you keep the 2 snails with the betta? and how much water would you change weekly?
Click to expand...
I think the 2 snails would be fine with the betta. As for how much water you should change weekly, you should experiment how long it takes to get >20 nitrates and do a 50% water change and that is how often you should do a water change in that amount.

Edit: Changed the percentage after more thinking. Gabriel-CR
 
I think the 2 snails would be fine with the betta. As for how much water you should change weekly, you should experiment how long it takes to get >20 nitrates and do a 50% water change and that is how often you should do a water change in that amount.

Edit: Changed the percentage after more thinking. Gabriel-CR
Click to expand...
The problem is that I don't have a no3 test! Do you think that 50% weekly will be safe for a long term? Thanks
 
50% weekly is fine. I do around 80% on my aquarium weekly, with no troubles - which is much larger. In such a small tank, it doesn't take a lot to empty and refill - a couple of gallon jugs would do well - so 50% isn't really a whole lot.

(Not to mention, apple snails get large and are pretty messy... a larger waterchange would be a good thing for all inhabitants IMO... but are you sure that you don't have a mystery snail, while in the same genus, grows a lot smaller.
 
50% weekly is fine. I do around 80% on my aquarium weekly, with no troubles - which is much larger. In such a small tank, it doesn't take a lot to empty and refill - a couple of gallon jugs would do well - so 50% isn't really a whole lot.

(Not to mention, apple snails get large and are pretty messy... a larger waterchange would be a good thing for all inhabitants IMO... but are you sure that you don't have a mystery snail, while in the same genus, grows a lot smaller.
Click to expand...
Ok I will be keep doing 50% water change weekly! And I really don't know if they are apple or mystery snails! But the thing is that I want this tanks be so stable in long term
 

Advertisement



Ok I will be keep doing 50% water change weekly! And I really don't know if they are apple or mystery snails! But the thing is that I want this tanks be so stable in long term
Click to expand...
Frequent water changes - a to a degree, large scale - wwaterchanges will be your friend for stability.

If you post a pic of your snails, we may be able to ID them for you
 
Frequent water changes - a to a degree, large scale - wwaterchanges will be your friend for stability.

If you post a pic of your snails, we may be able to ID them for you
Click to expand...
Thanks a lot
 
Well, for the bioload it really does depend on what apple snail you have. If it’s just a mystery two should be fine, particularly if you have some plants to help with the nitrates. But if it’s a regular apple snail I don’t know if I’d two or even one for that matter. They have big bioloads and get large, I can see them comfortably staying in a 10 gallon with a betta. It seems like it would be very cramped... I could also see the bioload being a major issue as they mature.

I do suggest making a thread and seeing what kind of snail it is, this way we can properly answer your question on the bioload.

As for waterchanges, a good place to start is between 25-50% weekly, but as you potentially have a very large bioload it’s likely better to do no less than 50% weekly, perhaps 75% instead.

If you get a liquid test kit(which I highly suggest) then you’ll be able to monitor how your water works and go from there.
Sometimes you don’t really need to do a waterchange every week and the parameters will not get all messy. Take my planted 10 gallon for example, it’s fine to just do small waterchanges weekly or take a week off.

I know some of the things were relatively answered, but wanted to give my input as well.
 
Well, for the bioload it really does depend on what apple snail you have. If it’s just a mystery two should be fine, particularly if you have some plants to help with the nitrates. But if it’s a regular apple snail I don’t know if I’d two or even one for that matter. They have big bioloads and get large, I can see them comfortably staying in a 10 gallon with a betta. It seems like it would be very cramped... I could also see the bioload being a major issue as they mature.

I do suggest making a thread and seeing what kind of snail it is, this way we can properly answer your question on the bioload.

As for waterchanges, a good place to start is between 25-50% weekly, but as you potentially have a very large bioload it’s likely better to do no less than 50% weekly, perhaps 75% instead.

If you get a liquid test kit(which I highly suggest) then you’ll be able to monitor how your water works and go from there.
Sometimes you don’t really need to do a waterchange every week and the parameters will not get all messy. Take my planted 10 gallon for example, it’s fine to just do small waterchanges weekly or take a week off.

I know some of the things were relatively answered, but wanted to give my input as well.
Click to expand...
@@Platylover I take pictures of my snail one is with me for about 4 months and its only 1,5 inch I hope you can identify and tell me if it is a lot of bioload and give an advice, thanks 20190105_123916.jpg20190105_123938.jpg
 
Frequent water changes - a to a degree, large scale - wwaterchanges will be your friend for stability.

If you post a pic of your snails, we may be able to ID them for you
Click to expand...
This are my snails! They are only 1,5 inch and one has with me like 4 months
 
Frequent water changes - a to a degree, large scale - wwaterchanges will be your friend for stability.

If you post a pic of your snails, we may be able to ID them for you
Click to expand...
This are20190105_123916.jpg20190105_123938.jpg
 
They look like mysteries to me, but I’d start a thread to be certain.
 
Ok I will start a thread! But one last question if they are mystery snail my aquarium bioload is fine? I can keep it like this? Thanks
Click to expand...
Yes, that would be absolutely fine. I just wouldn’t add another snail.
 
Bottom id say is almost certainly a mystery snail. Top one I'm a little less sure of, but could be a blue mystery. What color are their bodies?
 

Advertisement



Bottom id say is almost certainly a mystery snail. Top one I'm a little less sure of, but could be a blue mystery. What color are their bodies?
Click to expand...
The bottom one body is white and the top one is black
 
This question apparently invokes quite a bit of debate whenever you bring it up, so here we go;

How much and how often should you change the water in your tank?

I'm about to begin my first tank, and I have read that 15 to 20% change is enough,
and you can even skip a week if your water test says everything is fine (never delay more than one week though).
Meanwhile my friend (also about to begin) keeps going off that you need to do at least 50% weekly, no exceptions.
To be clear, we're talking regular maintenance, not the nitrate cycle start.
The parameters are; 20G tank, planted, heated, fully stocked, with some janitor species (kuhli, shrimp).
So please do tell, what ritual do you think is best, and why?
 
If you’ve got a heavy bioload and the nitrates reach over 30 between weekly water changes you should be doing more. Be it more water changes a week or a higher %.

I always do at least 50% every week. Some tanks I do a few a week, some I do daily (fry tanks).
 
I'm new to fish keeping too
As far as I know 20% max
My first change I did 10%
Parameters all seem good so far on mine ... fingers crossed
Though peeps on here far more experienced than me
 
Hurricaneharry 20% isn’t maximum (it’s even not enough on most tanks). I would say maximum is something like 80%.
I usually do a few 30% water changes or one 50% water change every week. If I have fry then daily or almost daily water changes.
No exact number for every tank.
 
You were correct when you said it can be quite the debate. Everyone does this differently. You just need to find what works for you and your tank. You'll see what I mean once you're months in. As for me, I do weekly 25% water changes, every Sunday, in both my 10 gal and 29 gal tanks. It has just become part of my weekend routine. Saturdays I test my water to see what is going on and almost always my nitrates are only at around 5 but I still change the tank. I personally work better with structure and schedule. I don't want to get in the habit of 'skipping a water change' because my nitrates are still low. Could I skip a week? sure. But this just works for me. Putting new water in the tank has more benefits than just affecting your typical parameter readings.
 
It all depends on your tanks and the water your replacing it with. My water is terrible so an 80% water change would kill most of the fish. An 80% WC can also change the parameters in your tank to quickly. I recommend a max of 50% and a min of 15%. Fish keeping is not an exact science. You have to find what works for you.
 

Random Great Topic!

The jar/bowl thread
Fish jar and bowls thread

Today's Deals


Amazon Daily Aquatic Deals

Amazon Aquatic Coupons


Advertisement



Advertisement








Advertisement




Fish Lore's aquarium fish forum - aquarium hobbyists helping hobbyists since 2005!

Fish Lore is an amazon affiliate and some pages may contain links to aquarium related products on amazon: Affiliate Disclosure

Aquarium forum statistics

Threads
427,391
Messages
4,714,455
Members
127,557
Back
Top Bottom