Why a Big Water Change? - Do It SAFELY Like This!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Want to learn how to keep your very own African Cichlids? It's not as hard as you think, I can help! 😊 👉 kavemanaquatics.com/keeping-african-cichlids/

[@KaveManAquatics]

@@Garryk76 thanks just remember, everyone uses a method that works well for them. 👍

[@jaketeeple2463]

Quick question that, I as a cichlid keeper for some time now, have been thinking about. Does buffering your water to a higher ph increase the color of your cichlids. I have been keeping mine around 7.2 because that's my tap water and have never tried to buffer it. I just want to know, even though I probably wont change it because that is what my older cichlids have been used to for some time. Thanks, keep up the good work!

[@halcyon3116]

New aquatic momma, it was initially so intimidating and I've had 10g maybe a month, started w 3 tetras 2 paltys and one bossy betta. Lost my platys amd started to worry, after binging your channel it makes so much more sense! I've been overfeeding, had ich treatment for my tetras, afterwards got a bloom wondered why my water looked gross, I've learned about the chemical levels, the importance of the bloom, and agitation for the surface! Ugh I didn't have a wave thing, but now hopefully I won't have the need to go to psp every week and just get my own test kit now. Bless you and thank goodness I found your channel it was a lot of searching and titles that didn't label vids w the point. Yours are SO much easier to follow!! Thank you!!!

[@yoinkaim1499]

9:55 Maybe try to split the pipe in two via joint so you can run two taps at once? LOL or maybe not.

[@destryl1076]

@@KaveManAquatics why woul you clean your glass if benificial bacteria are living on it? Also when dechlorinating the water in bucket first would it be safe to put the first 4 gallons out of 20 gallons in first by cup? I mean Ive always poor in my water conditioner while tank is being filled so it mixes in good

[@ivanalovemore1686]

Your fish follow you, they know what dad is about to do! That is so adorable.

[@KaveManAquatics]

😁😁

[@Darwinstheory8]

I honestly enjoy doing water changes. What's not to like about making your fish happy! Lets go💪

[@KaveManAquatics]

Exactly!!

[@golferace2]

I agree

[@natalieplayle3399]

Yes ! 100% love cleaning them out ! Takes my mind off things !

[@mattphillips6714]

My partner always takes the mickey out of me doing tank maintenance, I wear a vest as I have a large corner tank that I use a ladder or I’d never reach the bottom and I hate getting my sleeves wet..😁 I’m a relief manager for a poultry company and save my rest days for doing tank maintenance so I don’t have to rush and can really chill out and spend the day on my routine..

[@Brandon-un7rl]

i don't like doing water changes

[@darthblunt3833]

Man Kev I'm starting to believe you're related to that snake in the Jungle Book! Calm smooth voice.... trussst me... water changes are necessary.... keeeping African Cichlids is easssy... Next thing you know I'm at the end of the vid and feel like I learned something new. Thanks as always bro aka my favorite fishtuber!!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

HAHAHA, Thats original bro, never heard that one before LOL 😆😆

[@faye8968]

Kev, thank you for making this hobby so easy for us. You should get some goldfish too so you can help other hobbyists as well. Because your videos are very helpful. It was nice meeting you btw at the aquashella (Daytona) event. I finally get to meet you in person. 😁

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad you were able to come out and support! Thank you! 😁

[@BossLSR]

I am a beginner fish keeper and obviously have done days worth of research, watching videos from this channel. And after watching this video I learned I was doing tests wrong and as soon as I saw this I went to my tank, tested it and saw my tank is almost cycled. Thank you very much for your info!

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁

[@KaveManAquatics]

I highly suggest you check out my playlist for beginners. It'll be very helpful for you 😁 - kzbin.info/aero/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er

[@Sergiomartinez-lh7xi]

7:25 thanks for the tips big dawg!

[@bishrob345]

I initially was only keeping Turtles so a major change is necessary weekly due to the intake and output of Turtles. Now, I have Cichlids with them so more filtration and big changes regular. I have been doing it this way now for years; my fish seem to tolerate better over time; the Turtles I can put on the floor for exercise while changing their water. Always a joy watching them put back in and tasting the new water for the 1st time. Beak smacking goodness!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad your fish and turtles are thriving with your method! 😁💪

[@craiggabriel241]

Awesome vid as usual. I started with a 30% then moved to a 50% and now I am doing 80%. Fish have no issues and don’t even get stressed

[@KaveManAquatics]

Exactly! Thats awesome, get those nitrates outta there!

[@kyehosking]

Also can add a filter to ur kitchen tap under the sink 😅 clean drinking water for u, is also is good water for fish, n beneficial if ur area has horrible tap water, reducing the fluoride and chloride. Awesome videos, 👌

[@aqhan]

I have a well planted 55 gallon tank. Between the usual fish, cories, ottos, shrimp, snails and a pleco, I barely need to do any cleaning. Water changes, yes, obviously, onece a week. my cannister gets cleaned once a month at most. Fish are happy, all levels in safe range. Can't complain. For the most part I get to just enjoy my tank and feed the fish.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Nice! Thats what I like to hear! 😊💪

[@Rogue2300]

I know this is 3 years later but, you really helped me out with confidence. I liked and subscribed as well!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪 BTW, you should check out my new Aquarium Keeping APP designed for beginners! - kzbin.info/aero/PLP5OXTIIDO8MyRXOeOqhwzruSWFdhcaNh

[@Glofishkeeping]

When showing people how to test pools. I always mention 2 things: 1) myopia or color blindness tests are free online, most people don’t know how red colourblind they are. That can severely effect results. 2) different test kits have different scales on the comparison chart. Always get one that provides the most accurate results. Great vid as always kaveman.

[@MikeLovesLifeAquatics]

Very Informative!! I love how clean your tank got after 80% change!! 50% is my highest!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks bro, glad it was helpful!

[@tonycannell7939]

Brilliant, loved it. Pt 2 waiting waiting waiting 👍🏼🤣🍀🍻

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you my bro!! Hopefully its even better than part 1 😊💪

[@martinleak1664]

I have a 150-gal tank with 9 frontosa. They are about 4 inches and have been in the tank for about 2 years. They have been hiding behind the rock for about a month. ph is good nitrates a little high. I did two water changes. Did not help. I have not moved and thing around in tank. All I know is they try to come out at night with no light. They eat a little and still have good color for now. What can I do to get them moving 🤔 Thanks for helping the beginners in all your videos

[@scroobydoobie2432]

Seachem stress guard is an excellent product especially for african chiclids and their aggression. Ive have catfish in with my african cichlids and the cichlids did not care for those catfish and the tail fins on both catfish were pretty much gone. The stress guard worked not only for the stress but the speed up of their tail fins, it worked very well and will keep buying the product as well as my other favorites by seachem

[@KaveManAquatics]

Love to hear these kind of success stories! Thank you for sharing 😊💪

[@top_mf_n_here1806]

That Jumbo Krill is the exact same food i use for my picky eaters such as my Peacock Bass and my Arowana(no longer have). Good food for fish that only want live to switch over.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yup, great food! 😊

[@Castironcarnivore]

I love that you showed the way that you test the water!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad you liked it! 😊💪

[@BriannesFishFam]

You have the best water change advice

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro 😊

[@markbee4238]

I usually do around 50% water change per week. I think it was an Adam C video where he lost a lot of his fish after doing a 80% water change since the city/town had done some chemical changes to the water without warning. By keeping at least 50% of the original water it reduced the risk from bad new water (since I'm sure very few of us test the tap water before refilling). Love your videos by the way.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yea that would be a terrible thing to happen, but the city changing the amount of chlorine in the water doesnt happen to often. But a good fail safe is that I always overdose with my dechlorinator, prime and safe are safe for the fish double or even triple dosed and that would take care of any fluctuations in tap water chlorine.

[@dr.thaliaw9881]

Even though I have an Oscar tank as well as a red parrot tank, the advice on this video and all other by Kave M A really, really work. Its a commitment and a little discipline but your tank water is crystal clear and your fish that you paid lots of money for are very happy. THANKS K🌟🌹

[@KaveManAquatics]

Awesome! Thank you for that positive feedback! 😊

[@96452849]

Hey Kev! Super aware that this is an old video but I've been making my way through your channel because the information you provide is solid. I just wanted to stress the importance of you adding in the malawi buffer powder (at 9:49 in the video) to anybody watching this video. The addition of the buffer is what allows your pH to stay stable at 8.2 after adding in 80% new water! For example, if you started off with a dKH of 10 (this is your buffer capacity) and you changed 80% of the water with source water that has 0 dKH, your final dKH will be 2. A dKH of 2 is not enough buffering capacity to resist significant pH changes! If the source water you used to perform the change also has a pH of 7, this can cause a shift in the pH of your overall tank water and you will notice your cichlids getting stressed (a common symptom is flashing). Simply put, the addition of malawi buffer powder is a sure-fire way of preventing any sudden pH shifts during & after a water change. By using a buffer, you could safely do 90% water changes even! EDIT: Best practice here would be to put the buffer powder into the source water that you use to change your water and mix it around for a bit eg. into the tub that Kev uses for his water changes. This will help match the pH levels in your tank + source water so there will be very little stress on your cichlids.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Very good info Andrew! Thank you for sharing it with us! Thats exactly how I do my big water changes now that I dont have aragonite sand anymore. I add the malawi buffer directly to the tank as it fills next to the wave maker to get it mixed in well and quickly 😊

[@sallahda36]

Bless you...Had a week holiday from work, spent watching your channel for a good 2hrs..my tank is alive again!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thats awesome! Thanks for spending some of your vacation with me! 😊

[@patrickscerra8149]

Another great vid Kev! It wasn't until I saw you going 80% that I worked my way there. Currently I'm doing about 60%-70% twice a week. That pump make life so much better too, and not wasting water. Can't wait for the next TANK BOSS live stream. As always happy happy

[@KaveManAquatics]

Awesome bro, Glad its working out well for you! Im ready for the next Live as well!!

[@FlippinDutchRc]

I,m going to try this. Glad we dont have chlorine here. Did 25 and 50% change, now i going to try your way because i dont like how my water is right now

[@fernandoderique9942]

I m from Brasil., i like your Chanel.. i Love my tank african and i see You Chanel... congrutulations for The Chanel.. Go Brazil

[@KaveManAquatics]

Awesome! Thanks for watching from Brazil! 😊💪

[@joehare1151]

Hay kev please can you tell me the make of your water vacuum pump please

[@KaveManAquatics]

Here you go...the hose that fits is also in my shop 😁 kavemanaquatics.com/products/vivison-aquarium-water-pump-2600-gph/

[@joehare1151]

@@KaveManAquatics much appreciated my friend 🙏

[@keithanderssen6941]

loving your videos. getting into a serious relationship with keeping a healthy environment for my friends, my fish

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪

[@chasingalaska3997]

Why didn't you blackout the sides of the tanks? I've heard sometimes fish attack their own image thinking it's another fish. Wouldn't blacking out the sides give you more of a up closer look at the fish aswell?

[@kennjohnson4906]

Dude, thanks for the proper siphon method!!!! Worked super awesome! Thanks

[@KaveManAquatics]

Awesome, glad I could help!

[@michelekatz2884]

Do you have a video on how to do a water change when you have a canister filter? I’m not sure what to pull or shut off. Thanks!

[@1uhot426]

Thank u for letting us know bout how to add the declorinator to a big fish tank. I was thinking i would have to use bout 30 5 gallon buckets lol This the first 90 percent water change i am doing on a 125 gallon.

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful. 😊 BTW, you should check out my new Aquarium Keeping APP designed for beginners! - kzbin.info/aero/PLP5OXTIIDO8MyRXOeOqhwzruSWFdhcaNh

[@kahunahowardhoward6707]

BRO ! ! ! ! ! Thank you soooooooooooooo Much on everything you have taught me on Aquariums from 10gl to my 130gl. The fact is that you gave one thing that has helped me reduce water changing. PLOY FILL in a PLOY FILL filter cartridge instead of the carbon filter. The other was snails and a deep good sand gravel mix. BUT DAMN my RED TAIL likes eating Exotic Fish and not the COMETS ! ! ! ! !

[@beachaddict7653]

Ever thought about adding some pothos plants to your sump or on top of your aquarium to keep those nitrates down? I never done it, but I heard it works.

[@KaveManAquatics]

lol you should really see tomorrow's new video!! 🤣🤣 But first, here's the short I posted earlier today - kzbin.infoI2svhW71pGY?feature=share

[@beachaddict7653]

​@@KaveManAquatics I just saw it. What a hell of a coincidence 😂

[@ProducedbyPDot]

appreciate this guy so much

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪 BTW, you should check out my new Aquarium Keeping APP designed for beginners! - aquabuildr.com

[@mikeanders9516]

Hello I really need help . I recently got into aquarium's and went and bought a 125 gallon tank with African cichlids I'm trying to do weekly water changes and ive watched your videos on doing them but every time i do a water change a couple of my fish die within two or three days after. I use prime and have safe on the way .my question is what am i doing wrong? I love these fish this hobby is so relaxing i hate seeing my fish die and im to the pont im lost i know i need water chenges but im scared to do any more please any advice woukd be gold .

[@dannykuang4303]

Hey Kev, do you add the Cichlid lake salt every water change as well?

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yes Sir 😊

[@jorykozak1239]

i don't have the roper fitting for my python hose, are you saying that just allowing that syphoning to get going allows you to complete a water change without using your sink as a vacuum?

[@mikesmith-wk7vy]

I have a 54 gallon corner tank. And it’s become a nightmare to get the water flow right even with an aqua clear 110 the shape makes it a lot harder. put in a small bubble wall which moved the sediment buildup issue from the back to front I’ve got to experiment with where to put the air stones can’t wait to replace the tank with a 180 or at least 75 regular shaped tank

[@KevinLee-pq5sm]

You are the man brother ❤

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪 BTW, you should check out my new Aquarium Keeping APP designed for beginners! - aquabuildr.com

[@felforgedaxe9793]

This was an awesome learning experience!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks, Glad you enjoyed it!

[@katerinamafiosa]

such a dope video, especially @3:55 that was so cool!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks Kat, Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@2zwaantjes]

Wow, so much fantastic information in such short time! I have had to give up my aquarium and I miss it so much. But I can at least enjoy you videos, thank you so much!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad you're enjoying the videos...Hopefully you can have a tank again soon 😊

[@marcogonzalez845]

Hey Kev been following your advice for water changes for ammonia nitrite & all tht but none seems to be working my ammonia be reading 0.50 ppm or lower & my nitrites be the same if not more & the nitrates pass 40ppm but I do water changes & add stability & prime & it still seems to not decrease & I haven’t fed for 2 days going into the 3rd day

[@dhiyaesmail1297]

Kev I always watch your videos when I’m on break lol. If one uses there fx to fill thier tank attaching a hose to the utility valve you can’t declorinate the water going in It but you delcolorinate the water in tank is that ok?

[@RookieFantasy]

Where do you get the decorations? I really don’t want to spend alot but I want to have the best for my cichlids

[@danielbell2269]

Can you tell me a way to increase my ph level , slightly ... I do not have Africans ( Severum Angels. And some dither fish ) would like to increase to 7.0 7.2 without using chemicals

[@johnmaude5065]

Another very informative video, keep them coming 👍

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks, will do!

[@BW_Vlogs]

Hey I saw that little rainbow shark swimming around that’s awesome I have one as well , love your videos about to do a 80% water change tomorrow 👌🏽

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪

[@BW_Vlogs]

👌🏼

[@fernandoderique9942]

Hélio, tais thank bigger how many gallons ? This is beautiful

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks, This tank is 210 gallons

[@wrmaldonado]

What was the post water change nitrate level?

[@DB49ers80]

Hey Kev. Great video. Do you remember where you got those "rocks"? I like how they look and much easier than real ones IMO come water changes.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks!. I found them at my local PetSmart

[@DB49ers80]

Thank you!

[@garrettleslie274]

"My family and I found this video extremely helpful with the method you do tried it, and our water has never been clearer in the 55-gallon African Cichlid Tank. "-

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad to hear that! 😁

[@cooltank83-UK]

Nice one kave 👍💯👌 80% water change is cool and it's really nice looking tank... 👍 I normally do 70% in my tank & Every 07 to 10 days.... 👍👌👌🤗🤗

[@KaveManAquatics]

Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it 😊😊

[@VictorMGPfsw]

Great video bro!! Just perfect and I think the same, the beneficial bacteria houses in the biological material and not in the water column! I can't wait for the next video!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks bro, Glad you enjoyed the video...and thanks for becoming a member of the channel!! 😊💪💪

[@jenniferpaez8811]

My cycle crashed when I removed my filter cartridge to dose Paraguard. My fish were gasping so I removed them, and put them in a a hospital tank “5 gal tub”. My tap water is really high in ammonia so I put them in purified water. My OG fish tank was testing between .25ppm and .50ppm. My fish tank is a 29 gallon, I changed out about 14 gallons yesterday with purified water and it’s still testing at .25ppm. Should I do another water change? Or should I wait to see if the beneficial bacteria does its thing?

[@trackergurl47]

Can you add the liquid form of prime to the tank as well? Before adding the new water?

[@KaveManAquatics]

Absolutely! 😁

[@AlgaeWhisperer]

So i recently did an 80% wc, fish were fine afterwards, I added 10mls of prime as I normally do.... however I got a small ammonia spike within 2 days afterwards ( .25ppm - point two five parts per million ) the small ammonia spike disappeared within 36 hours... all has been well ever since ... so for my tank I'll be sticking to 50% water changes, & if that's not enough I'll just do them more frequently. . Cheers & happy fish keeping

[@KaveManAquatics]

.25 is only a trace amount and the test is most likely picking up the Prime.

[@lsaji8704]

Very informative video. Thank you.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gazyg1973]

Nice video Kev very helpful 💪💪💪

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks! Glad you think so! 😊💪

[@emilymorton4519]

Do you not use the python to fill and empty your tank? Is that black pump what you used for both emptying and filling?

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yes ma'am! 😁 Watch the methos here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4WXpZKGmb12h9k

[@dmphins8349]

Great timing im doing mean today to enjoyed the video

[@KaveManAquatics]

You got this! 💪

[@dmphins8349]

@@KaveManAquatics yes sir

[@billpremore9509]

Hey Kev where did you buy those fake rocks? Love them!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks bro. They're in my shop. Navigate to shop/decor - kavemanaquatics.com/shop

[@amtravelsaus]

Another great video and man your tank is Gorgeous💙👍

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you! Glad you like it! 😊

[@amtravelsaus]

@@KaveManAquatics welcome ✌

[@joeymalcom9490]

Hi Kev. Have you tried the FX Gravel Vac system add-on with your FX6? Do you see any benefit to vacuuming the substrate without also doing a water change at the same time?

[@KaveManAquatics]

Not really, If you're vacuuming and removing water might as well water change as well. I havent tried any new kind of vac because the good o'll fashion gravity syphon does a great job

[@insurance1968]

Very informative and beautiful tank!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it 😁

[@thevman6499]

Love your videos. Just recently changed my 75 gallon to an African cichlid tank. Wanted to know where you got your rock decor. They look like one piece. Thank you.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks! 😊 Its from petsmart. But you can find the link in my shop - koji.to/kaveman_aquatics

[@seansquill8773]

Great Video Kev

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro! 😊💪

[@DivinityinLove]

The thing about vacuuming gravel/sand is, 1) don't the plants need ti for their roots to suck up nutrients? and 2) what if you have a lot of shrimp? It's impossible to not suck them up in the siphon.

[@patriziabeaucage258]

Awesome tips and tricks with the python!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks! 😁

[@tulioalopez]

What is the difference between ph and high ph?

[@esmeraldatrabaninos3615]

I absolutely love your videos 😃 I’ve learned so many things thanks to you !! 💗

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you!! Glad you’re enjoying the channel and finding it helpful! 😊💪

[@glassnyc1176]

another great video Kev you never Disappoint keep up the great work.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks, will do!

[@danielaguilar7526]

I have a 55 gallon African cichlid mbuna

[@KaveManAquatics]

Nice! 👍

[@affordableaquariumservices1663]

For a big tank like that can you also substitute with pond prime in order to use less?

[@darknezls1]

Great video Man a lot of good information on my case I have a mixing valve under my kitchen sink I have it set 82° every time I do water change in my fish tank it’s equal no problem makes life so much easier I have it one of those quick disconnects for my Python

[@KaveManAquatics]

Nice, that is super helpful to have!

[@dariodiaz5152]

KLK Kev. Was wondering where did you get those rocks. ( the small ones) Was looking for something like that. Thanks

[@KaveManAquatics]

The small ones came with my 3D background, havent seen them anywhere else. Maybe you can order just them, try it and let me know - aquadecorbackgrounds.com

[@vestax3]

hello kev, if i'm using a UV light, do i have to turn it off when i add prime & stability ? if yes, for how long until i can turn on the UV light again ? thx kev.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Not necessarily for Prime, But yes you should turn off UV for Stability. A few hours is long enough for the stability to settle on a surface. The UV only effects it when its still in the water column.

[@vestax3]

@ thx for the reply kev..

[@DezmondAbrams]

Love the rocks! Especially the ones on left and right. Can you share a link to where to purchase those? Thanks bro

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks bro! Find them in my shop here - kaveman-aquatics.myshopify.com/products/big-stone-stack

[@DezmondAbrams]

@@KaveManAquatics Got it! Thanks bro

[@benwood4704]

My tank has the filter intake and outlet coming through the bottom of the tank and on the same side of the tank. I’m going to add an FX on the other side but where shall I add a wave maker?

[@KaveManAquatics]

On the same side as the output on top so both output and wave maker push water in same direction.

[@irecruitfish7410]

Haha😂 beginning I was like whaaaaaat!

[@ketok1065]

really informative. thank you Kev

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@edgarrivera4488]

Some good tips Kev. Keep em coming

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks, will do!

[@tronway5500]

I have yellow water and I was thinking if I change 50% water 1 time each day, until the water is clear but during the water, I will add some bacteria to the water. I wonder if this will work to change out the yellow without killing my fish.

[@aquadream8512]

We have looked everywhere for the hollow rock decorations you use. Can you tell us where you got them?

[@KaveManAquatics]

The hollow rocks on the bottom came with my 3D background from aquadecorbackgrounds.com Check the site, they may ship out just the rocks alone, not sure though.

[@shakapubgyt]

Bro love your content!! 🔥 ♥️

[@MattTrudden]

How about crushed coral for the PH??

[@KaveManAquatics]

Crushed coral is excellent for raising PH 👍

[@videogazer801]

How long was this entire process from start to finish?

[@kasimanash]

is it a must to add stability aftr water changess? and thanks for the useful vids 😊

[@KaveManAquatics]

No its not. Heres when to add Stability - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpfbpGuDedGKjJo

[@collietree1945]

Grow some pothos in your sump if you have one They suck up all the nitrates like fertilizer. My nitrates stay on zero.... Over stocked african cichlid 120g tank plus 40g sump.

[@MarkEmmaLoriaDeLaCruz]

Hey brother, what are you levels of Nitrate after the water change? Thanks for the informative and straight to the point videos!

[@KaveManAquatics]

I usually get down to about 20-40ppm. This is because my source water already has 15ppm nitrate in it. Also the reason why I must do big weekly water changes 😊

[@mirandapatterson8510]

I’m having issues and after googling I need a cichlid expert so I’m hoping you can help. There like yours peacocks 13 adults and some babies in a 150 gallon number 14 died Wednesday he looked fine but out of the tank I noticed peppering on him and then looking closer they all have peppering Ph and everything has always been great the only thing I am having issues with is phosphates are extremely high very high I do 50% water change a week and there’s a overflow and sump I keep it well maintained but still issues with phosphate they are not over fed The fish do fight very badly and I didn’t know if separating the males and females would help or not but one is beat up so bad I’m going to move him tomorrow so he can heal there such beautiful fish and I feel like things are getting worse and I don’t want to lose anymore Oh and there was a dead young one in the overflow box they looking like it had been there a while and I only found it because I dropped a sponge in there so idk if that caused the peppering or if it’s the phosphate but I really wish I knew why the high phosphate gets that high that fast for no reason it’s stressing me out

[@christiandcruz8269]

Hey, KaveMan Aquatics. Where can I find those type of rocks? They seem so much more convenient.

[@KaveManAquatics]

They came with my 3d background. Try aquadecorbackgrounds.com You may be able to order just the rocks

[@BenrealMcCrimon]

kaveman can you tell me where to get big rocks like those in your fish tank? I hate to copy but you have beautiful tanks and I would like to have a tank like that.

[@KaveManAquatics]

I got you - kaveman-aquatics.myshopify.com/products/big-stone-stack

[@russelltumang4517]

I have a 75 gallons tank and using a Fluval 307 canister. I want to know if I should use two canister or one is enough. Thanks Kev!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Depends on your bio-load bro. That’s what determines how much filtration you need. Not your tank size.

[@bubasmollett8610]

My guppy tank is massively overstocked but I almost never do water changes. I've got lots of plants including bamboo growing in there hob filter. Maybe try a sump with bamboo and other plants to eat the nitrates.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yea If you have plants they will definitely help with nitrates, especially a heavily planted tank. Problem with African cichlids is they either eat them or pull them out so very difficult to find a plant that works...And yes the other option is to put a sump on with a refugium...That project may be coming soon. Just have to pull the trigger on it 😊

[@mattphillips6714]

You’re spot on Kev.. I have a puffer display of dwarf puffers and a MBU, they are extremely messy feeders and I do an 80% water change once a fortnight my nitrate peaks at around 50-70 ppm using a test strip test, I also have the benefit of fast growing dense plants, debris on my sand bed gives me my indication of a needed water change. I’ve been curious and just like your vid I’m doing the same test before and after/next day test. Take care mate great work..👏👏

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro! Glad you enjoyed the video. 😊

[@cichlidfinsmonstertank172]

Great tips!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tankboss5.951]

Big kev what's good bro. Real quick question , where'd u get the stand for ur 210?

[@KaveManAquatics]

Same place I got the 210 lol petswarehouse.com