Water Change Frequency For Wilds

[TW]

I thought I was doing the right thing by my young wild caught heckels by doing daily 10% water changes in their bare bottom tank. I was talking to someone else today, who says they would be much happier if I could reduce the water changes to every 3 days, as they would prefer a less disturbed environment. Basically that they would settle better in an environment where I didn't bother them so often with water changes & that it's possible that I could end up stressing them.

I'd be interested to hear what others think

[taksan]

50% every 3 days seems to get the best results for me.

[Rowland]

I also do it every 3 or so days, at about 20%. Helps my pH stabilise too.

[TW]

Thanks guys. So, I'll drop it to every 3 days & go inbetween the 2 of you & settle on 30% volume.

So, in between these water changes, I should just ignore the poo I can see on the bare bottom glass???

[Rowland]

Hi TW

I do try siphon the detritus off every day. That does not really constitute a water change though.

[TW]

ok. gotcha. The detritus is the whole reason I was doing the daily changes - on a bare bottom I notice this stuff, whereas in my planted I don't.

I'll do as you say Rowland. Thanks.