Water Changes

[Mr. Microscope]

Hello All,

 

I have a 3 gallon picotope and do weekly changes of approximately 17.5 % (2 liters). I make the water fresh each time. Since salt is cheap and I don't use much of it at once, it doesn't really matter to me if I make up 2 liters or 5 liters at a time. I'm considering pushing it up to 3 or 4 liters. Four liters would be a 35% change. Would there be any disadvantages or great benefits to this?

 

Thanks!

[seabass]

IMO, it would be more beneficial than detrimental. Large water changes sometimes get a bad rap because a large water change to a tank that's been neglected (and its water parameter allowed to change substantially from freshly mixed) can lead to stress from the sudden change in parameters.

 

However, if you keep up with a large water change routine, the tank water and freshly mixed water will not differ that much. This will keep your nutrients low and trace elements high. Plus, some people change much more than 35% weekly.