Big Aquariums question

[electricblue]

would it be ok to only do a 20 to 25% w/c on an aquarium in the 200 to 250 gallons range.

I'm aware that many like to do the close to 100% w/c but i usually do a 50% to 70% max w/c on a 55 gallon and it works well. I was just wondering how a 20-25% would do on something big.

I know filtration/flow would affect my question so, i will have an fx5 (eventually another canister like a 2217, or a rena xp3), 3 k4 powerheads or (any suggestions on a good powerhead, just not too expensive like a vortech)

[armthehomeless]

Would it be okay? Yes.

You'll probably need to do more frequent water changes.

The more important question is . . . what fish and how many?

[JasonC]

The more important question is . . . what fish and how many?

+1
Your answer will dictate your WC requirements.

[rgonzales]

Your still only taking out 20-25% of waste with wc like that, but it all depends on filtration/ bioload level. I run 2 fx5s and 2 sponge filters and do 2 80% wc a week on my 240

[fshfrk]

Like everyone else said your stocking and feeding will dictate your water changes .If your nitrates were at 80ppm and you did a 25 percent water change you would only get them down to 60ppm. So test untill you get a feel for it.

[electricblue]

thanks fshfrk, i'll actually be getting my test kit along with other goodies this coming up week.
As for fish, it'll be 25 moliros, around 10 demasonis, 7 textillis, a frontosa and like 5 other small fishes.
By more water changes did u mean like twice a week?

[rgonzales]

I think a 20-25% wc would be insufficient with that bioload. Id also skip getting a xp3 or 2217 and get something bigger

[fshfrk]

thanks fshfrk, i'll actually be getting my test kit along with other goodies this coming up week.
As for fish, it'll be 25 moliros, around 10 demasonis, 7 textillis, a frontosa and like 5 other small fishes.
By more water changes did u mean like twice a week?

That will be 1 miserable frontosa. Do a little more research before you buy all these fish. Just saying...Good luck.

[supadave]

That will be 1 miserable frontosa. Do a little more research before you buy all these fish. Just saying...Good luck.

+1

Chances are.. he will be stressed out with all those active fish . Demasoni and Moliros..........too much chaos for a lone Front .

[electricblue]

I undertand what you're saying, i got the frontosa when i was beginning in the hobby, the other mix ppl just told me to try it and see how it worked.
I think it works ok bc the demasoni just tend to hang around the hiding spots while the trophs swim around...

now back to the topic, i find some people have an "obsessive compulsive disorder" of doing large w/c (around 60%+) just to maintain a peace of mind about the water quality the fish's safety...

i have found that around a 50% w/c works well and that's the actual advice i have received from a well known lfs owner.

I think more than likely i'll just stick to a 135-150 gallon.

[myjohnson]

WC and filters do two different things. Fish food + fish poo = ammonia aka nh4.

Filters house colonies of BB. These colonies process ammonia to no2 and finally no3. WC removes the build up of no3.

How much WC you need to maintain proper water balance depends on the amount of food you feed and the amount of fish you have.

I can see 25% being fine if you don't feed too much.