Water changes in qt

sean rand

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Hi
My qt is set up with a ammonia badge and it shows 0 ammonia and fish are doing fine in the water. Should I change water on a weekly basis even if its showing 0 ammonia and fish r fine? I dont test for anything else because of the meds in the tank and that can change the test colors.
How often do u change water in your qt?
 

EmdeReef

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I do weekly water changes mostly because water gets milky from all the overfeeding. If clear then probably no need.
 

Crabs McJones

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If you're running medications (especially copper) I wouldn't do water changes as you risk dropping meds out of range. If ammonia is 0 you should be good to go :)
 
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sean rand

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I do weekly water changes mostly because water gets milky from all the overfeeding. If clear then probably no need.
They r pretty clear and fish r acting totally fine. I add in a couple oz of bio spora every couple of days. I think that helps with ammonia.
 

ReefWithCare

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I’ve gone as long as 3 weeks with no ill effects. I do use a bigger QT though and cycled media (29G)
 

ngoodermuth

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I do water changes as needed, usually like every other week... unless I’m using a certain medication (antibiotics for example) that require more.

I’m home all day though, so I’m highly observant with my QTs and will notice the signs of ammonia creeping up usually even before my badge starts to change... and can do a change on the fly.

If you aren’t able to keep a close eye on it at all times, at least once a week or every 4-5 days is probably a good plan.
 

ReefWithCare

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I do water changes as needed, usually like every other week... unless I’m using a certain medication (antibiotics for example) that require more.

I’m home all day though, so I’m highly observant with my QTs and will notice the signs of ammonia creeping up usually even before my badge starts to change... and can do a change on the fly.

If you aren’t able to keep a close eye on it at all times, at least once a week or every 4-5 days is probably a good plan.

What the the signs you usually look for? My badge is always yellow, I just do the water change to refresh and lower nitrates. I've only had it change once when my wife decided to feed the fish in QT because they "looked hungry" xD. I fixed it after a 50% WC though :D.
 
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sean rand

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I do water changes as needed, usually like every other week... unless I’m using a certain medication (antibiotics for example) that require more.

I’m home all day though, so I’m highly observant with my QTs and will notice the signs of ammonia creeping up usually even before my badge starts to change... and can do a change on the fly.

If you aren’t able to keep a close eye on it at all times, at least once a week or every 4-5 days is probably a good plan.
I check on the tanks in the morning and about 4 5 a clock every day. My wife is home the whole day and knows enough to see if something is wrong. And she checks on them probably 3 or 4 times throughout the day.
 

ngoodermuth

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What the the signs you usually look for? My badge is always yellow, I just do the water change to refresh and lower nitrates. I've only had it change once when my wife decided to feed the fish in QT because they "looked hungry" xD. I fixed it after a 50% WC though :D.

Heavy breathing (first sign), loss of appetite, cloudy/white marks on fins or a hint of redness around the gills.
 
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