Water Changes, Do You Need To Do Them? The Debate Ends Here!

The debate stops today, do you need to do water changes or not?
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[@eeemoose3494]

I have heavily planted tanks and dont usually change water unless im raising fry or useing medication to treat disease. The nitrate levels in most of my tanks never reach higher than 10ppm and i think thats mostly do to the plants taking in all those nutrients to build there leaves and stems, which i then trim essentially removing those nitrates from the system.

[@donpettit7107]

2.5 months in and no water change yet…heavily planted and stocked (stalked?) and nitrates never above 25. Supplementing with Easy Green which has additional minor nitrogen. So far, no plans to do anything but evaporative replacement. At some point will do water changes…to get rid of trace minerals buildup (water very soft), not for nitrogen.

[@darthplagueis3400]

I do the Walsted method, test weekly for the most part, very rarely need to change water. started off with different style of tanks always had to do water changes on weekly basis. still do maintenance on tanks trimming replanting etc.

[@MrAjonut]

Hey there from India. 😊. Just doing tank and plant maintenence on my tanks and enjoying listening to both of you. God bless fellas 😊

[@stavroskavgadoulis4408]

Hello from Canada. Planted tanks 25pct a week 3rd week 50pct. 2tanks 36g 26g. Hatchetfish neons green neons cardinals. Thought silver hatchets were more stronger than marbles but on my last 2 water changes I lost some silvers they went crazy after the change.😢 but all in all it us balanced need to get the nitrates and extra ferts out. Thanks guys

[@scottnichols7029]

I have 8 tanks running and the water changes became a real chore. I put all of them on an auto water change system that changes out a small amount every three hours, totaling 10% per day. I found that it has an additional benefit for dosing. The tanks stay at the same tds as my water supply. I dose when the TDS drops below 20 ppm over my water supply reading.

[@LadyNewgrdia]

I love this collaboration. Please do more like this! Maybe have the wives do one! BTW I was half watching while doing my hair if that helps at all. Keep up the good work and thank you for doing what you do!

[@punkrockpapa84]

I have very heavily planted tanks and usually only do one a month ish. To each their own. Whatever works for you. The water is great for the garden

[@Ravelle_]

I love video podcasts, look forward to the podcast every Monday! I have it on TV while I play a game or tend the aquarium or clean the house. Keep up the good stuff !

[@jmp1220]

In regards to future topics, one topic that I have really been struggling with is how to treat internal issues in fish, whether that means internal worms, parasites, or bacterial issues? Specifically around whether meds can be dosed in the water column to treat internal issues in freshwater fish or if they must be mixed in with food. This is a very polarizing topic and I honestly still don't know what to believe. Has anybody actually done any studies on this? Do manufacturers of medications actually have any solid reason why they say to dose the water column and not the food? Am I over thinking it? Maybe if you guys ever do a show on medications you can give some advice and personal experience on this topic.

[@Raitis.F]

Thank you guys for these podcasts. I listen to them mixed - on Spotify or here... I've noticed Jason's voice to come a bit robot-y/crackly like for a second or 2, but it is a minor issue. I feel like Jon is recording and Jason has connected to the call with a bit of jitter on the connection... video does come blurry a bit as well on Jason's face and fish tanks... It could be that I notice this only because I'm on the headphones ;) Never the less: love these series. It is great to have this wisdom from 2 Titans :) Thank you, guys!

[@dinoprimi3914]

I can’t wait for you to do an experiment on deep substrate and see that it’s the missing thing in the aquarium hobby. Nothing better than a deep substrate.

[@lauriegoodson]

I'm watching, but later than you put the podcast online. Nothing is distracting. When I heard you were going to be doing it, I said "Oh, how perfect!" And it certainly has been just that--perfect!

[@DirkDeadeye_]

I love my python. I discovered by accident I had enough vacuum to drain my tank, through 40ft of hose to my muck sink. I just run the water to fill the hose, hit the bypass and shut the water off. Takes awhile, but its better than lugging buckets out of a 75 gallon. Plus I think the gradual change might be less stressful for the fish too. Also, hygger makes a water change hose system if the python is too spendy. 47 dollars for the 45 foot hose. If you got a big tank, and a sink you don't mind fish tank water draining into..its a good investment. What else you can do is run a long hose from a bucket with a cheap pond pump in it, basically run your water change hose into the bucket like normal, have the pump in the bucket hooked to a hose going outside, to a sink..whatever.

[@garygraham2089]

video was fine as was the audio. Jason got a lille blurry for a bit.

[@Jimsfish]

I’m listening while working a little watching I noticed Jason’s audio did weird voice on this one and last week didn’t happen a lot

[@kdr1048]

Great stream guys! I do agree it all depends on the fish and aquarium setups. Each aquarium is different.

[@baw578]

If John needed to, he could record his camera locally to get a better video but that would take some extra editing. When I watch the podcast, I have KZbin going but mostly listening and watch it occasionally.

[@timrussell89]

I watch the podcast on youtube. Typically it is how I wrap up my Monday after work but this week we had a lot going on. Ac unit died, family in town so I'm just now getting around to finishing it. Great podcast as always!

[@denofzen59]

Love what you guys do together and on your individual channels.I watch/listen on KZbin and the video freeze ups don't bother me because the audio keeps going. You both make Monday mornings more enjoyable... Python system for the win,definitely a must if you have multiple tanks.

[@katya4802]

I do a bit of both. Watch on KZbin. But today listened on KZbin and topped off my tanks. This stream actually got me up to top off.😊

[@ritapita519]

Listen during my commute! Love you guys!

[@plushpossum]

My husband cut me a long length of 1 1/2” pvc pipe and I drain my tanks right out the door. I use a hose to the kitchen faucet to refill. My back won’t let me do it any other way. But that means 60% water changes every 2 weeks. It’s working for me, but I probably need to do them every 10 days. My full time job won’t allow it. 😒

[@jessegaines2529]

I watch/ listen on KZbin. Video freezing doesn't bother me because you all explain everything thoroughly for those that are not watching. So it's not a problem.

[@MikeEBoy42]

I'm watching. The only thing I really notice when Jason's video lags is John's reaction 😆

[@MrStevoMac22]

Do you guys maintain your filters at the same time as you do the water change? I’ve heard you can remove too much good bacteria by doing them both at the same time. Just curious how you guys do your maintenance.

[@TripleFork]

watching. But in al honesty, doing other stuff on my PC in the meantime.

[@philravenscroft-jr3tv]

Mostly just listening

[@andrescott2794]

You to have me more in to the fish I WACH all your KZbin videos keep them up

[@darrellelliott1553]

I listen for the most part with all youtubes. I do like that it is set up to do so

[@robertwayman7974]

WATCHING, but the freeze or shuttering once in a while, does NOT bother me at all. I just enjoy the show.

[@DoggyDaddy311]

I listen for the most part, but I do watch when I am able. I do love the show, you guys bring great information from two very different backgrounds that is the best of both worlds. I do have a question, how do you get your clean, dechlorinated water into your tanks without using buckets?

[@TheTankTalkPodcast]

Water goes right in and I use dechlorinator as tank is filling - Jason

[@DoggyDaddy311]

​@@TheTankTalkPodcastThanks for the advice. I believe I was overthinking it maybe.

[@plushpossum]

Summer School was one of my all time favorite movies!!!!!

[@z90012]

What's your views on UGFs and substrate and depth of it🤔

[@TheTankTalkPodcast]

I don't like them because it limits the types of fish you can keep in an aquarium, If you have the right fish (non-digging) and your tanks aren't heavily planted, it can work just fine. Substrate - an inch or two is fine.

[@GeniusDetectiveL]

I listen to this on yt while I work! No worries about the video!!

[@kevinsaquatics9091]

Jason should let John talk more! LOL

[@laattardo]

😂😂😂

[@tyler9mm614]

I watch it and listen lol. I have the video playing while im doing maintenance and watch it at certain parts

[@MariaGonzalez-bs3hk]

I am listening while I am doing a water change.

[@carlwagers9829]

Yep, I live in my mom's basement (I'm 15, you dork 😂), and I do waterchanges on my 55-gallon tank and 75-gallon tank. I don't have a sink downstairs, so I use the kitchen sink for my water sorce.... my forearms are crazy 💪😂

[@michelle8898]

please don't do away with the video version. I play your video's on the computer while at work. It's basically the only time I CAN!! LOL and I know this was 4 days ago. Hope you see this!! Thanks so much guys!!

[@TheTankTalkPodcast]

Don't worry! We're not even considering doing away with the video version, I was simply curious about who was watching and who was only listening. (JOHN)

[@biguebs1123]

Great chat fellas! Can’t beat changing water while listening to water change discussion lol. I listen, not watch.

[@nathanmcgrath9038]

Algae is an aquatic plant and guess what algae uses ? Yup that's right ammonia and nitrogen. And algae also uses CO2 just like any other plant.

[@guitarslinger359]

My Betta fish throws a fit if I change his water.

[@mikerosenzweig]

I listen via Apple podcast.

[@valeriee9532]

I watch on KZbin if I am home. If I am at work, I listen with my earbuds😉

[@DGGuaglianone]

I only listen. Love your podcast!!!

[@carybritton4178]

Movie TOMMY BOY!!! 🤘🏼😎🤘🏼😅 Love the show guys in my top 3 thanks for all the info I really appreciate it

[@FinnegansFish]

I'm watching on KZbin while I mess around in the fish room, so, mostly listening

[@alindifourie1986]

Just listening

[@Theblackdahlia1]

Tommy boy!

[@cyclin_sean.3713]

Watching

[@andrewwhittaker2908]

I watch every episode. Jason's connection doesn't bother me at all.

[@frhaber]

watching

[@thomaskipper9933]

watching KZbin

[@JenniferDoRego]

Watching on KZbin,

[@M.Myers1987]

I always watch the podcast, the delays don't bother me at all because the sound is always good and continuous

[@RyanRoux]

Watching

[@jaynelee4275]

watching

[@FatherFish]

So you are not capable of creating a balanced aquarium?

[@dilisabradley7554]

Watching. Love you guys, please dont stop on youtube.

[@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.

[@curtisbelcher5078]

Didn't know I should know how many fish are in my aquarium I have fry all the time some 1to 2 months old and younger

[@christianlorenzen7320]

For the movie part idk what movie but in 6th grade i had a sit-down with my teachers and parents, had all straight D's and personally was confused why everyone was so mad at me for passing

[@nathanmcgrath9038]

Depends on the system. Me no I do not but my tanks are set up with plenty of plants and deep sand substrates stocked with minimal fish. If you have to big Oscars in a 4 foot tank then yes your going to have to do water changes 👍

[@doxiediane6274]

What is the highest nitrate levels would be comfortable with. I’ve heard it’s been said well over a couple hundred and fish were fine.

[@Whips_World]

I watch your bobbleheads (mostly).

[@peanut2343]

Always watch you guys , together and individually , sometimes there are freeze frames or glitches, but it goes away soon enough. I really appreciate all the information I am getting from you.

[@Jeswald1]

I always watch! I tried to rest my eyes and listen, but I had to pull it up on the laptop because it was like disembodied but familiar bodies!

[@garygraham2089]

I have a 75 gallon tank that I have in place for 10 years. I have 5 discus, 4 rainbow, 4 cats, a few glow fish. I top off with RODI 5 gallon at a time as needed. I do water tests every 1 -2 weeks. I only feed once every 2-3days. I have not had to do a water change in 5 months as my test parameters are very good. I vaccum every 3 weeks or so. This works for me quite well.

[@StephenP2003]

I'm a hybrid. I had this one on my phone and was off and on watching. Looked fine to me. About to cast another episode to the TV while working.

[@Whips_World]

My South/Central American large species cichlid tank isn't as enormous as John's 360, but even at 210 gallons, I have to do two large water changes every week to keep the nitrates at bay. My other tanks get a big water change once a week. My community tank is getting stocked heavily enough now that I'll probably have to increase it to twice a week, as well. On each tank, I have one Python draining the water into a sump pump well until it's just above the canister's intakes (just before they lose siphon). At that point, I take a second Python and start the refilling process, BUT, I also keep the first Python draining while that's happening. I have no idea what the percentage equates to, but I usually just tell people it's roughly 70%.

[@aprilbutler4677]

I watch and listen every Monday morning on KZbin after I get off work. Love you two together.

[@edpereira1908]

I prefer to watch the video version. I do water changes since it is a glass box, gotta get the bad out and the good water back in.

[@heaven7360]

I wish I was better about testing my water...I just do water changes every week. I think I'll switch to test strips and if measurements look off I'll use the test kit. Too many tanks!

[@skybloo8865]

i'm watching on youtube, great topic, thanks guys

[@Avman3369]

I watch, it is better for me to see the person talking and their expressions. And I want to say it was summer school.

[@tracydas2523]

I watch - but the rare freeze up doesn’t distract at all. Thanks for the podcasts! Makes Mondays more enjoyable and educational too!

[@CathyDeckertFowler-ql1gu]

Watching! I actually watch every week. I have subscribed to both of your channels, but this collaboration is my absolute favorite!

[@kellybrentmoody9744]

I watch ! No real issues!

[@marcusmcclung7330]

I really enjoy hearing you both together. Thank you both.

[@James_Hande]

I can't see how a deep substrate for anaerobic bacterial growth to process nitrates can work. Anaerobic bacteria grows without oxygen at the bottom of the substrate. Which means no water flow at that level. Humm, the nitrates are in the oxygenated water and never flows that deep in the substrate. Back in the sixties when I started in the hobby the owner of my favorite LFS taught me a lot. As far as water changes he explained that we can measure for nitrates, but there's other reason for doing water changes. He first said dead dirty water out and fresh clean water in. As you mentioned Jason, replacing necessary minerals, removing such things as hormones, etc. EDIT: I always watch on KZbin and the little glitches don't bother me.

[@Sharkweek178]

The reason to do regular water changes isn't to fix bad parameters. It's to keep your parameters stable so that they never get bad.

[@mattknowlton5983]

I dont do a lot of water changes with my 4 tanks because theyvare so heavy planted, especially floating plants. I have the podcast on KZbin, but I don't really watch it. I mostly turn it on and listen.

[@galejohnson8086]

No, i don’t like colored gravel, but I don’t like heavily planted tanks either. I like the fish to be the most interesting aspect of the tank. I also like fish that are highly colored enough so that i can see them without squinting. I like a contrast between fish color and tank. Sometimes i hear, “these fish have such beautiful colors” and I think “they do? They look grey/brown to me with tiny amt of color if a really stare at them. Give me a wagtail red platy any day!

[@thomaslytje8656]

I really think you should do a true Father Fish setup, with deep dirted substrate, a huge amunt of plants, water and leaves from a lake etc. etc. It does teach you a lot. And it really is perfect for some things! Father Fish is a bit of a one trick pony. The way I see it, it's perfect - for some situations. But the wrong answer for other situations. Still though. You really should try it. It is a very special experience. And I have learned a lot by doing this. Again it's _NOT_ the solution for all problems (I sometimes think Loius (Father Fish) think it is, but I don't). And you can have heavlily stocked tanks with 0 or 10 or 20 ppm nitrate, 0 nitrite etc.

[@tuxedopitbulls888]

I just came back to having tanks. it's been 30 years and a lot has changed. I'm 59yrs young. Anyways I been learning so much and have never had a tank with dirt, sand, and live plants. I am going to try it in a nano tank with my 2 guppies I got from Dan. If it goes good then I will do it with my 2 betta tanks I got them imported from Taiwan so I don't want to try it with them 1st. I love plants so am excited to do this. I will be doing water changes since I have well water. I live in Superior Wi. So heaters on my tanks is a must in the winter. also I am watching the whole podcast with complete attention.

[@HeRo-qd6tk]

Hi to you 2. I listen on Spotify while caring for my tanks. Thank you :-)

[@OrchardKoi]

In my view its a must. From trops to koi. In nature water evaporates and capillarys away. It rains. That right there is a natural water change, without considering river flows and junctions with the sea etc. Some of those are opposite end of the ph scale and mix. Not to metion the massive veg/bogfilters that surround most bodies of nautral water. Also build up of bacteria can't be avoided in our small eco systems, the concentrations far out weight the natrual environments, so we need to dilute it down.

[@FusionDeveloper]

I'm happy with reproducing species in my aquarium. My "aquarium" is basically a mini pond in a glass box, because everything in my aquarium (except most of the water), came from ponds and lakes. The surface is 98% covered in overcrowded floating plants (even some growing on top of each other). It used to have detritus worms and copepods, but the fish ate them all. Luckily I at least still have ostracods in my filter bucket. I've only done maybe 2 water changes over a year maybe. All species except for 2 fish, can tolerate living in the worst conditions possible. Everything except these 2 male fish, are breeding/reproducing prolifically. Also, all species except for those 2 male fish, are very tiny, including "least killifish", grass shrimp, scuds, bladder snails and ramshorn snails. The 2 male fish are kind of fun to watch, except the bigger one kind of bullies the smaller one. When they die, I will not ever get that species again, because even though they seem happy, healthy and beefy, I don't want a species in my tank bigger than a ramshorn snail. I am 100% unable to grow algae, because all my species are veracious algae eaters. I also add a lot of Calcium carbonate to my aquarium because all my species like hard water and calcium.

[@boywonda1887]

i dont do water changes on my planted 5 gallon and i recently found my water to have extreme levels of GH and KH and the water is really hard, I'm trying to find out why Could it be whenever you top off youre not removing any of the water hardness and just adding to it?

[@xSilverFernx]

I technically watch, on KZbin. But I'm not often looking at the screen. I would really enjoy if you played footage of fish instead of/in addition to your face. Especially when you mention fish in-depth. I hope that's not offensive given that we are, as you noted, fish nerds lol.

[@Whips_World]

I know I'm not the first, so no Jr G-man badge for me, but... Tommy Boy!

[@richtatsu5001]

I love my aquarium, & my fish are my family. I try my absolute best to do a 50% water change, in my 75 gallon aquarium every weekend. Call me crazy but I have 5 fancy goldfish, 6 giant danios, & 3 plates, 2 Anubis growing on cactus wood housing 5 shrimp. So far it works. If you have any feedback, please let me know 😊

[@jeremybw2180]

Denitrating reactor with a carbon dose will break down the nitrate. And based on the REDFIELD ratio 106 parts of carbon will help chew up 16 parts NO3 and 1 part PO4. I actually have to DOSE nitrate and phosphate to keep my reef tank stable and have never done a water change. My NO3 stays around 5ppm and my PO4 stays about .1-.08ppm all based on how much I dose.

[@FishEZ]

I watch on KZbin but sometimes I am listening to youtube as I work in the fishroom but with an occasional glance so as not to miss "the stump". #fishfam

[@rumrunner8553]

Python System? What if the tap water has 1ppm ammonia, 5ppm NO3, not to mention chlorine? Would it, in my case, Mbuna and Tanganyika Cichlids tanks survive if treated immediately after the water change without pre-treating the water? Tanks are well cycled. - Watching

[@Whips_World]

You never have to suck on the hose. Just submerge the intake until it's full, pull it out of the and let the water start to drain. Before all the water is out of the 12 to 18 inches of gravel siphon, re-submerge, and it will continue to drain. It works every time.

[@alekkoomanoff7281]

FWIW There's an Asian turtle keeper who has a series of simple videos under Jay's Aquarium on anoxic filtration. Novak has personal issues and overly complicates stuf The inimitable Jimmy Nguyen did an awesome videos on Justin @Ocean Aquarium in SF for Aquarium Coop He's known for no water changes and deep sand beds. I kept wide leaved water sprite with my oscar Xerxes in the 70's

[@tree.65]

I watch and listen to your podcast on KZbin. The momentary freeze up or delay doesn't bother me.

[@Gaza14860]

Always watch you guys are the best

[@JeffDoehring]

I have a 37 gallon and 55 gallon both freshwater tanks. The 55 gallon is a planted tank, and the 37 gallon at the moment only has one live plant. I use the classic Home Depot 5 gallon buckets filled to 4 gallons. I change the water on the 37 gallon using one bucket per week and 2 buckets at 4 gallon at 55 gallon. I’m going to up the changes on the 37 gallon because I put driftwood in and the talons keep coming turning the water darker. By the way, the movie is Tommy Boy!!!

[@TheAquaTopia]

Hi John and Jason! I enjoy your podcast. I consume quite a lot of podcasts because I'm working on the night shift. I don't know if you read this or not, but I would love to see Heiko Bleher on the podcast as a guest. He is such an awesome guy with huge knowledge and with amazing stories. I think he a big platform talking about bigger issues we facing in natural habitat in the future.

[@EdwardChiarelli-iv9xe]

I watched on video on KZbin. Great show.