How (and Why) I Do Water Changes on All of My Aquariums

[@Slider617]

Made some changes like you mentioned and noticed a night and day difference in my water on my 75 gallon American tank. Big thanks again for all your hard work.

[@CichlidBros]

That’s awesome to hear!

[@carlwagers9829]

Its always a great day when chiclid Bros posts a video

[@PriceTagAquariums]

Thanks for the upload! It's always nice to see fish hobbyists show videos of their regular maintenance schedules. All good info! Always love the movie references!

[@TheSalient1]

if you pull the tube off the hose hover it above the sand it sucks that crap p out easier and faster as creates more suction.

[@CichlidBros]

Good tip!

[@irecruitfish7410]

Beauty of being on well water and having water softeners and sulfide removing equipment is you don't need prime!

[@jeremymoore450]

Troy, I appreciate this and you explaining your water change and schedule. Yes the water changes like you said are unique to everyone and what they are keeping for fish. I have 3 tanks and i change my water every 2 weeks based on nitrate levels. I have 2 aquariums that are planted and my 90 gal has my bigger american cichlids. Like my JD, red devil, green severum to name a few. I dont change all the aquariums water on the same day i space it out. I also dont touch the filters on the same day i do water changes. I clean them out the opposite week. I dont want to disturb the bacteria. Appreciate the video.

[@CichlidBros]

Very nice, and great tip 👍🏻

[@jasonsingh5293]

water change are very important to me cichlids bro's i do minds every other month and it's work's out very well beautiful 180 gallon tank loving the geofagous and sevrums thanks for sharing this cichlids bro's ❤❤❤👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@jacobcone5945]

The Discus Tank is looking great!!!

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@jc49fishniner4lif7]

Wow those are some beautiful fish in the 180👍❤️ and also you talk about the running out of hot water is also a good idea to replace the water heater for a tankless one that way you'll never run out of hot water

[@katieniify]

This is very helpful thank you!

[@CichlidBros]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Evil_Genius_888]

I do weekly 50% changes in my home tanks. They are highly planted and highly fertilized. The weekly maintenance is a reset. My office nano tank is water changed monthly. That 6g nano will be replaced with a 10g shallow riparium sometime this summer.

[@opethmike]

Algae scrubbers are an absolute game changer. I use them on my salt tanks, and they work super well.

[@CichlidBros]

Agreed!

[@iamhowiam2862]

Well put, as far as the planted/ not planted difference. Another banger brother, keep them coming!

[@sheilabruin-blake9507]

Thanks so much for sharing I have a twenty gallon African mbuna tank with six fish and one cat fish and you say I test my waters and do changes as needed.

[@henrybowman7887]

I do a 50% water change in my Mbuna tank every 8-10 days... Sometimes, it might get pushed back due to my work schedule 12-14 days,if that happens, I remove a little more water out... The best investment I made was a python... It saves me around 2hrs of time,no more bucket brigade lol...

[@LegendsAquatics]

Do you add beneficial bacteria after the change or just rely on the bacteria in your filter?

[@henrybowman7887]

@@LegendsAquatics I use Seachem Prime and Stability every water change... I also alternate cleaning my filters as well..

[@LegendsAquatics]

@@henrybowman7887 oh ok, I should start using that

[@kashifkashu7899]

Nice and informative video bro..watching your fish tanks is always a treat 🎉 but I can imagine how hard and time consuming it is for u every two weeks doing water changes in so many tanks... Keep up the good work❤

[@b.a.cichlids3827]

Always Great Info 👍🏻

[@CichlidBros]

🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@greenwatertheory-rv3te]

I appreciate this video, you always have a level headed approach with every video and I respect it. Maybe one day you will have a more natural tank, they are just as enjoyable as those with bigger cichlids. I can't wait to see those Discus grow out. Thanks again.

[@juliaheinritz3264]

This was really helpful. I sure wish I could use our tap water. We have a well with a water softener which just doesn't work for my fish. Instead, we have an RO system. This water is treated in buckets or 20 gallon cans and also brought to the right temp. It sure is time consuming but it works for me. Your tanks are beautiful so as they say: "you got this"😊

[@irecruitfish7410]

What? I'm on well water and the fact that I don't have to use prime is just amazing. I do have live plants but well water is solid as long as we have a water softener in carbon remover.

[@giuliadaniele4379]

you always give great informations, thank you❤

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks for watching!

[@reggie2803]

More great advice. Thanks.

[@melsfreshwater6020]

Awesome video, tanks & fish are all looking incredible under your care. I struggle to get nitrates even in my african cichlid tank!! Think it's the deep sand? Love your severums & your cold water tank!

[@jimmyCA310]

I'm joining the membership. He's awesome

[@ianhoyt8828]

Could you do a video or maybe a short explaining that pump in depth? I’m having some trouble trying to use my python tube to my shower. It’s to my shower bc my faucet isn’t threaded. I think that pump could solve my problem

[@mandyarmstrong7312]

What's a faucet siphon I have the first part can you show me how yours is all connected please

[@MLYGuys]

Where can I find a tank stand for a 100+ gallon tank? TIA

[@fownine4life853]

What was that black and red fish you showed at the end of the video? Pretty...

[@mandyarmstrong7312]

Do you have a video on your pump to the python ❤

[@Parrotloverx10]

Any tips for moving a 55g and switching it to a 90g? Moving in feb & want to do a smooth as possible move. My 55 is a african cichlid tank

[@tinadoyle3803]

How is it the substrate in your tanks looks so clean when you dont siophon off dirt ?

[@yunglin9025]

just wonder if you use RO water for your geophagus or use tap water directly? In Texas, we have moderately hard water which is above PH8. not sure if the hard water will impact my geophagus in the long term

[@lboogie738aquatics]

Excellent video. How often do you clean your HOB filters?

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks! Usually 1-2 months. Swapping out filter floss every few weeks

[@lboogie738aquatics]

@@CichlidBros ok cool. Do you use chemi pure in the HoB or the carbon media?

[@CichlidBros]

@@lboogie738aquatics typically chemi pure

[@lboogie738aquatics]

@@CichlidBros ok thank you

[@mitymac]

i got a chia plant thing from petco i wrapped some window screen around it to keep the wolves off it & its been working great .... its not the prettiest but if u have a place out of sight it works 👍

[@aishanirmala4835]

hi there! my tank size is 60x35x35 (18 gallon more or less), and i don't hae live plants in there. How many times should i do water changes? tq

[@sharongordon1254]

Hi! I need a little help with substrate. I know fine sand is ideal but was wandering if Caribsea Jungle sand would be okay to use (.5-1.5 mm size) for eartheaters. I need a larger sand particle for the plenum build. If possible, I really would like to use Peace River small gravel which is a little bigger under the sand. I need 3 inches of substrate which I hope won’t be too heavy for the 120 gal tank/stand I purchased at Petco (saw your comment on another video). Would appreciate your expert advice! Thank you too for all the information you provide us!

[@CichlidBros]

Yep, I think that’d be an ideal substrate. It’s fine enough that the geos could sift the sand

[@williamavery1758]

Let me ask you something on ur 75 with the electric blue Acura grow out tank how ofen do you do water changes once or twice a week. I dont remember what you said,, im only asking cause mine just had babys and im gonna keep them with momma for a few weeks,, i have 3 electric blue Acura fish 3 Cory's and a clown pleco in a 55 gallon tank well and a handfull of fry cant really tell you how many since there just starting the wigglers stage. Sorry for the long question. And the video is awesome and i think you have the nicest tanks with some beautiful looking fish

[@thedampestcrib6004]

Im looking at a over flow method but i dont want to connect tanks but i meed figure something better 40 plus tanks is a long water change day 😅

[@thedampestcrib6004]

Debating hoses going to all then to 1 to fill and drain but then I have an issue on different size tanks so overflow makes most sense but I don't want to cut holes so idk

[@tuco86x]

Good on you using a pump. Python with faucet is such a waste of water

[@CoralMan24]

Did your pump have a attachment for the gravel vac or did you make your own?

[@derrill7079]

What fish are in the one fifty

[@top_mf_n_here1806]

I have both styles of tanks setup(planted and large cichlid s) My 125 is a Frontosa colony(6 large/medium) and 2 large Angels. Use to do water changes weekly but now i grow house plants on top with roots in tank (pothos, monstera, peace lily, lucky bamboo). Doing this i change water once every 2 months or longer now.

[@groutline123]

Hello, could you please share the algae scrubber make and model?

[@CichlidBros]

Scrubber: amzn.to/3PI2H77

[@groutline123]

@@CichlidBros Thanks, but I was referring to the algae scrubber you have installed on one of your sumps. If you could share that make and model I would appreciate it.

[@videoforgeeks]

Troy...when it comes to conditioning the new water...Do you also treat for chloramines? As that is seems to require more of the conditioner. Do you also condition for the whole volume of the tank or for just the water amount you are replenishing?

[@CichlidBros]

Hey there. Prime covers everything thing needed to treat. I do the full volume of the tank

[@LK50634]

very beautiful tanks awesome videos amazing

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@LK50634]

Your welcome anytime my friend

[@FishingWithJoeyYT]

Can you please give me some tips for reducing ammonia levels in my tank. One of my fish died because of it.😢

[@tomp6685]

The most common reason for high ammonia levels in aquariums is from overfeeding.

[@princescdk3107]

Plants are King ngl. Have a heavy stocked community tank with fast growing stem plants and hornworth, let me tell you i change water about 6 weeks at a time and its not for nitrates its cuz i wanna introduce good minerals for the plants. But also give the fish a new feel (i tell myself)😊

[@CichlidBros]

Yep that’s a great setup and the benefits of plants. My 150g might get to that level soon

[@Tkzlol]

I've been wondering this for a while but haven't bother asking, What kind of lights are those on your 150g SA tank?

[@CichlidBros]

Always feel free to ask! They are AI Prime 16 LEDs - amzn.to/35yWwA8

[@GC_Aquariums]

Completely unrelated lol, do Gymnogeophagus rhabdotus or terratupurra stay smaller or do they both achieve similar size?

[@CichlidBros]

Usually similar in size, topping out around 5-6 inches

[@tinadoyle3803]

So you don't siophan the bottom of the tank ?

[@CichlidBros]

Only occasionally, and hardly ever in my larger tanks

[@blakemcclurkin4842]

Do you feed beef heart flakes to any of your South American cichlids?

[@CichlidBros]

Yep, to my discus

[@blakemcclurkin4842]

@@CichlidBros other than the discus?

[@carlwagers9829]

Alright, Troy, i got a 29-gallon tank and i dont know what to do with it! Can you give me some suggestions?

[@beat_2008]

this 15 yr old is not as professional as Troy here but what you can do Is go outside to a Location with lots of stones and rocks, collect some flat one, large ones and Natural looking ones, Buy some gravel from a LFS and add it in your aquarium, Set up rocks the way you like it, I usually make caves and holes, Best cichlids to add in a 29-30 gallon tanks are Convict Pair and Jewel Pairs (Rare Turkana Jewel or Red Jewel)

[@beat_2008]

Make sure to wash the rocks b4 adding

[@yourmomsbff7670]

Shellies!

[@carlwagers9829]

Thank you guys for the suggestions!

[@jeremymoore450]

29 gal you could keep a couple angels and a few dither fish.

[@markbaumgardt2868]

My nitrates are also low between 10 to 20 parts and I never get algae in any of my tanks I have Texas rock in my hap tank which always stays pristine and white love the vids bro

[@CichlidBros]

Very nice. Thanks for watching!

[@dopepetsaqua]

if you had it to do over would you get the 180 in glass or would you still want acrylic?

[@CichlidBros]

Would’ve loved glass but don’t think we could’ve gotten it down my stairs

[@edmundooliver7584]

you must have good tap water, my nitrates come out at 40ppm

[@usmc72409]

Troy, I came across someone who only does water changes on their overstocked discus tank every 6 months. They showed me this video and said this is the setup they use. Thought u would find this interesting. The set up starts at about 6:50. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6LHo6eMjqeEers

[@jerryhigg]

❤👍🐟

[@beat_2008]

If you dont change your fishes water, your messed up...

[@carlwagers9829]

Agreed! But I see everyone's points.

[@jmp216]

I don’t change water just top off. All parameters are guaranteed better and more stable than y’all’s. Y’all just like wasting water. Do research.

[@CichlidBros]

I wouldn’t listen to this guy. Can’t make blanket statements. Did you test their water? Are we to just believe you have great parameters? Be better buddy

[@beat_2008]

@@jmp216 its not about wasting water, its for your fish's health. You need to change your water to maintain quality. I do top off when i have a busy week but I do make sure to clean my filter once a month or 2

[@chico6085]

15 minutes to drain 40%? You need a stronger pump. I drain my 150 50%in about 2 minutes lol

[@jimberence]

I do 75% water changes wéekly

[@sergiocorrea1235]

Wooow beautiful peces

[@JB-dd2qw]

You have lots of tanks without plants and heavy load type fish. For keepers like you this advice is brilliant but for a new smaller heavily planted low load tank, I am not so sure.

[@CichlidBros]

We have plants in almost all the tanks where the fish do not eat/destroy them. And we explain this in many of our videos.

[@logan7766]

father fish is rolling in his grave no water changes lol

[@FatherFish]

Water changes are critical for tanks that are polluted by overfeeding and overcrowding.

[@CichlidBros]

Yes, and they’re also necessary for tanks that aren’t heavily planted or have fish that aren’t nano sized. What you’ve said about water changes is correct - it’s the context that’s important for people to understand

[@FatherFish]

@@CichlidBros Yes. Or that lack adequate substrate. I maintained 400 aquariums in my shop with many very large fish all with deep substrate none required routine water changes.

[@jmp216]

The reason y’all have to change y’all’s water is because it’s done how the big box stores want you to do it to keep buying things from them. Study the saltwater methods and its similar in freshwater. On change water when nutients need to be replenished. Chemicals eliminate oxygen also stressing your fish. You’re doing it all wrong.

[@CichlidBros]

Dumbest comment 🥇. I’ll screenshot your comment for a video I’m doing on the exact topic and explain why you’re incorrect. Also, I’m not buying anything from “big box stores” …