water changes

[zax]

New to cichlids and want to make sure i am doing things right. I have a 60 gallon tank, with 1 big yellow lab, 4 blue johannii, 2 acei, 1 electric blue, 1 catfish, and 2 pleco. Running a fluval 304 filter, and have about 4 caves and other hidding spots under and round the rocks. Do a 5 gallon water change every 2 weeks. Water and tank is always clean looking. Am i changing enough water? Also thinking about getting a couple more Mbuna fish or is this a bad idea. One big blue johannii chases other fish around, but he is the dominalnt male in the tank (2 males and 2 females, fish was given to me so i couldn't pick the sexes out).

[Mark Smith]

How often and how much are you feeding your fish in this aquarium?

I personally would be changing at least 33% of the water weekly, perhaps even 50 to 75%, especially if you are feeding them more than once per day. Also, the water siphoned out would be excellent for any plants you may have. Your tank will soon be overcrowded as the fish grow and you will likely lose some to aggression in such a small tank, especially if you add new fish to it now that your existing fish have established a pecking order/territories.

[awilson0001]

the only sure way is to get a test kit and check the nitrate levels based on your feeding habits. if you can do more, it is always best. cichlids are tough mostly and can handle dirtier water, but it isn't best.

as for the water being clear, that means you have a good bacterial system going probably. think about it like this... would you prefer water to be fresh as much as possible?

my tank holds 25 africans, 6 clown loaches, 4 bn pleco, and a 20" fire eel. i feed only once per day and not too heavily, and have to do a minimum of 50 to 60% a week.