A couple of thoughts about water changes -

Is there a downside to very large, very frequent water changes? Possibly yes, if the incoming water is a different temperature, or ph than the stabilized water in the tank. Keeping it to 30% or less minimizes the "shock" of the new water.

The spreadsheet calculations which predict the build-up in nitrates with once a week water changes ignore a very important factor (which really applies in ponds). Nitrates go into a tank via the nitrogen in fish food protein. Nitrates come out in several ways. Water changes are one. Others include conversion of nitrate to plants in well lit aquariums. The plants in my aquarium grow like crazy, and I trim them back, removing the excess every couple of weeks. In ponds, plant growth in full sun removes large amounts of nitrate from the water. Even if the plants aren't removed (as in real ponds), excess plants die, fall to the bottom, and build up natural pond muck (in which nitrate is held bound in plant material, or de-nitrifies (releasing nitrogen gas to the atmosphere).

You don't want muck build up in your aquarium, but keep them well lit and the plants growing. This is a very significant nitrogen sink. BTW, plant/algae eating fish will convert this bound nitrogen back into the water column.

Isn't chemistry fun?

Dennis

Google calculator. For all your calculating needs.

Ta muchly.

great info Ranchugirl! i never knew that....

Nevermind i'll just stick to 13 Uk gallons...

Do you mean that if I changes the water frequently, at about 30%, my goldies will have a faster growing period? As I changes the water, do i need to use any more anti-chlorine since there's a change in water volume?

i was just wondering if my goldfish was stunted, can it still grow now that im doing everything for it properly for the last 2 months?

if they are stunted can they grow at all?

I've found this article over at Koikichi.com about this topic. They did an experiment to test out this theory. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post a link to another website here. If I'm not allowed, feel free to delete it. But I think it's very interesting.

http://www.koikichi.com/info/articles/pheromones.html

In the case of ScalieLady's pond, I think the reason that her fish aren't effected much is probably b/c the fish load isn't so big. This effect is only prominent when the fish load is higher than what it should be. Pheromones break down within 1/2 to 1 day. So given a good enough size pond and fish load, I think pheromones excreted by the fish won't be much of a problem.

Interesting, just read all the post here.

I have a 4000 gallon pond in my backyard and the water chemistry maintains it self almost perfectly and it is stocked heavily with lots of comets, etc.

However my aquariums (6) 55 gallons, have constant trouble with high nitrate levels. My water chances have been few since I had an operation and could not lift the 5 gallon buckets I use to change water. Recently someone here suggested the python and "WOW" what a clever device. Now it is almost fun to do water changes.

I just got the python last week and have already made three, almost 50% water changes in all the aquariums, however my nitrates are still very high as well as my pH, pH is almost 8.

Question...should I do more water changes as soon as possible or should i use some kind of buffer to get the chemistry in order. If buffers are suggested please suggest brand name. Aquariums are minimally planted BTW.

Robby

Hi Robby,are you just saying that it was interesting to read,or did you have a question?