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Nitrates and water change frequency

2K views 3 replies 2 participants last post by  aunt kymmie 
#1 ·
Howdy folks-

I have a 33 gallon tank with freshwater 5 freshwater dwarf puffers, 2 oto cats, 2 goby, 2 khuli loach, and a shrimp army. The tank was fully cycled when the first fish were added. While researching puffer care the consensus is 50% water changes every week - supposedly very messy and sensitive fish. I have followed this schedule but every time I change water all parameters are ideal - ammonia 0, nitrites 0, nitrates below 5ppm. The tank is well planted and filtered.

Is there any reason to change water so frequently if all parameters stay low? At what level of nitrates does it makes sense to change water?

Gracias.
 
#2 ·
I understand your questioning doing weekly water changes of 50% when your parameters are spot on. I do 50% weekly water changes in all my tanks and all my parameters are the same as yours. I've learned that doing regular water changes adds back in fresh oxygen and replaces the minerals and such that fish need. There is nothing that fish appreciate more than good, clean fresh water.

What kind of shrimp do you have? Your kuhlis don't show any interest in them?? Why did I always think gobys were brackish fish?? Do you have any pics of your tank/fish that you can share?? We all love to see pics. Welcome to TFK!
 
#3 ·
Thanks for the advice!

i have about 10 ghost shrimp, 1 crystal, and 1 cherry. I tested the waters with the ghosts for a month before I got the more expensive varieties. The khulis don't take notice of the shrimp. It was the puffers I was worried about. Seems some folks have success with this combo and some don't. It's working for me so far.

Different goby species span the salinity spectrum with the freshwater portion making up the smallest group. I have bumble bees - certain varieties adapt well to fresh water.

I'll post some pics when I get a decent camera.

Thanks Holmes
 
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