Want more tips and tricks to care for your fish? Check out these playlists! Best Fish Keeping Tips Playlist is here: kzread.info/head/PLr8ew8o8WXoDLeItfzOiRG8DV-1W9qNX4 Lowering and Controlling Nitrates Playlist is here: kzread.info/head/PLr8ew8o8WXoD-pzZaHgtIFqurG9HZn2zz Every Live Stream is Here: kzread.info/head/PLr8ew8o8WXoApHjaPfc6rdr7oipfEbZ-k The Water Change Tips & Tricks Playlist is here: kzread.info/head/PLr8ew8o8WXoCdEYkD0rQa0OWejFk5-bHD SunSun Canister Filter Playlist is here: kzread.info/head/PLr8ew8o8WXoCiMWEpBFJFJGxTqJH_MdMg Fluval Canister Filter Playlist is here: kzread.info/head/PLr8ew8o8WXoC8gSuqdG1c4nOzlAMFTmiD

@johnnyricardo2641

2 жыл бұрын

I know Im randomly asking but does anyone know of a method to log back into an Instagram account? I was stupid lost the login password. I love any assistance you can give me.

@hamzajaxx2230

2 жыл бұрын

@Johnny Ricardo Instablaster =)

@johnnyricardo2641

2 жыл бұрын

@Hamza Jaxx Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site through google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.

@johnnyricardo2641

2 жыл бұрын

@Hamza Jaxx it worked and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thanks so much, you saved my ass !

I love these types of videos, I’m a total nerd 🤓 and enjoy learning about this subject. Even though I’ve kept fish most of my life I’m still learning something everyday! Great video my friend

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you LL4Fish. I always say, "Always be learning." The second we stop learning we start getting stupid. Thanks for supporting the channel!

@litoloco4fish

5 жыл бұрын

Ben Ochart so very true!!!!! You always have great content!!! Plus beautiful fish amigo !

Your channel has excellent advice that I appreciate because you are honest and share multiple and differing views about nuanced topics like water changes, were a lot of factors have to be weighed carefully against one another. Thanks. I'm really enjoying this channel!

Thank you, this is a very enlightening video for me. About four years ago, I discovered that my aquarium crashes were related to low PH. I went through a phase of losing many tanks so I did some research. This is why all my freshwater tanks have sea shells in them. The Only PH crash I had since then was on a tank where the sea shells were almost all dissolved. Our water is pretty soft here, but when I run it through the RV filter, it comes out even softer. The crashes were occurring as quickly as one to two months. Since adding sea shells, my crashes were related to a heater locking in the on position and a bacteria soap-scum on the surface of one of my tanks. Water Changes: I do water changes randomly, and have gone 6 months or more between changes in well established tanks. When I do water changes I do them to vacuum the gravel. I plan the changes to be made when I have low water due to evaporation and I vacuum out about 4 gallons from each of my 20, 30 and 55 gallon tanks. I take about 2+ gallons from my 10 gallon. Except for the 10, it takes 5 gallons or more water to level the tanks back. I also tend to over plant and not over stock fish. Overstocked aquariums tend to need much more gravel cleaning than under stocked tanks. I'm getting lazy in my old age and I'm looking for low-maintenance tanks now. Needless to say, cichlids and other varieties of fish don't do well in my care methods. My method of stocking tanks now, is to set up the tank, read the parameters and then research and choose fish compatible to my tank parameters. Again, I say "Thank you."

Wow, major flashback to chemistry class oh so many decades ago. At least now I care enough to hopefully learn something here. Thank You for all your knowledge and information. Greatly appreciated.

@sleepyote

4 жыл бұрын

Thinking about taking a chemistry class for my science college credits to help me understand this better.

awsome video thanks for putting this up

Thank you Ben for the informative information I always appreciated. And thank you also for taking the time to help all of us fish Keeper's, to motivate us Chowan to never give up when I love . We all need to stay close together with the hobby, kind of like a schooling fish, we all should school together LOL. Oh did I forget to mention... You have an extremely captivating smile 😊

@BenOchart

4 жыл бұрын

thank you Michael

Another great video Ben!! Keep up the good work!

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Greg, I'll try and I appreciate the kind words of encouragement.

Great video! Consistency is the key. Whatever you choose for maintenance, be consistent.

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Seth. You know I agree. The fish seem to know when it's maintenace time and seem pretty chill when I do it, like they've gotten used to the schedule.

You nailed it again my friend! Very nice content! Carry on!

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Rely, much appreciated!

New to the hobby. Enjoy your videos. You speak slow and clearly to where I can follow you. Thank you for not screaming and waving your arms around like a fool.

This video help me out so much thank you!

Nice collection and helpful video I have 3 Jack Dempsey’s had them for 2 weeks this video was helpful to me 👌🏿

Wooooo! I made it on the Ben ochart show! 😆

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Well, you can scratch that off you bucket list Kevin, LOL!!! Thanks for being a loyal supporter my friend.

Great vid braddah love hearing different opinions on this subject thanks braddah much love and aloha 🤙🏽🐠🤙🏽

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Aloha and thank you for stopping by!

Ben I learned a few things on the water change I did know it helped lower nitrate but was unaware of the change in pH and the affects on the fish such as flashing and stress .I always thought they kinda enjoyed it .I always have nitrate as that's how it comes out the tap but Sunday was my all time low reading after a week before I changed my water was at 15 to 20 and is 10 out the tap usually .thanks love the videos and the group such a awesome job .

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Thank yo Bob. It sounds like your tank is really settling in at a nice level. Just watch if you have a jump in the number of fish but it sounds perfect for now.

thaks for the info

You have an awesome collection of african cichilds. I like your in depth explaination of a water changes. Thanks for sharing😊👍🏻

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching wils!

I generally do a 30% water change in my 20gal once every two weeks, adding a tablespoon of aquarium salts every other water change, and my fish are all happy and healthy. I also have a fair number of plants, and an AquaClear filter as well.

@EricHansen-fr3cz

Ай бұрын

I Do same on 90 gal . 30% every 2 weeks & salt..

I've been waiting for you to discuss waterhardness kh and gh. Looking forward to it ! Thank you ben

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

You're welcome Matt. I have an understanding of those issues (kh, gh etc) but will be digging in deeper before making a video. Stay tuned, it will be out in a couple weeks or so.

@mattrenaud8426

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you ben!!

Your intro was very informative. Great info. When you do the video you mentioned you might also include info on TDS. Thanks for the video.

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Yes, in an upcoming video I want to simplify TDS, KH, GH and pH (or at least try to). Thanks!

Good info, thanks.

Lots of great advice there are a lot of factors like you mentioned Ben. Bio load, tap water levels, substraight type. And type of fish. Each tank has its own micro biosphere. Each person has to figure out what works well for them. Water change is essential like you said to replace lost minerals and such. The same as a like gets replenished from a rain storm or spring. If you have tropical fish you almost have to become a hydrologist or marine biologist. Again fantastic post Ben always look forward to your videos.

@sage6336

5 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure water changes are essential. minerals (salts ) aren't lost from a system (salts remain in the system as water drops the mineral concentration increases, thus when reefers add water they add RO to their systems to reduce the salt concentration) Also generally rain water is very soft and does mineralise water

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

You're right Marvin, each is its own micro biosphere and once we dial it in we've won a big part of the battle. Thanks for tuning in!

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

MARK COPLEY I'm a bit confused on one point, doesn't "soft" mean not mineral rich? But you say "rain water is very soft and does mineralise water". Maybe soft water and hard water have characteristics that I'm not aware of?

what's the best way or kit used to test the water for accuracy and cost efficiency? seeing as testing is done quite regularly

Great Info Thanks

How often should I water change when cycling A planted tank with Amazonia substrate ????

How I do it is, in the beginning, I check the nitrate creep early and often. When they hit 20ppm, I do a water change big enough to get them back down to 0 - 5ppm. I do this until I can determine a routine. Depending on the water volume and stocking, that could mean I'm doing a 20% water change every two weeks or an 80% water change twice a week. Once the stocking is stable and the aquarium is seasoned, I only test if I see a problem.

Hello Ben. That was another excellent video, especially because you shared so many other comments by African Chichlid keepers. I can share a particularly interesting juxtaposition of water change habits between the tanks i care for at home & those i care for at my job. Although i live in Staten Island, NYC, i teach at a large public high school in Brooklyn, NYC & i take care of multiple tanks in both locations(all African Chichlids). At home, for three 40 gallon breeders, i probably do nearly 50% once every 10 days on tanks with very large sponge filters(125 gallon ones) & an aquaclear 70 h.o.b. per tank. Each of those are grow out tanks with anywhere from 20-30 juveniles per tank. I feed each of those around 3 times from afternoon to evening time. I hardly ever test the water & judge them by their colors, activity and whether or not they're eating. On the other hand, at the school where i work in south Brooklyn, we have a 90 gallon(2 hob & a canister), 55 gallon(1 hob & a sponge filter) , 15 gallon(sponge filter) & a 270 gallon tank (with a sump system, large canister and large sponge filter). The 270 is in the lobby of our school & although it looks fantastic in this location, it's a nightmare for water changes because of the proximity to water. In order to do water changes on the 270, i need to use an electric pump to pump the water out of a first floor window about 50 feet away from the tank & then refill it from a hose spicket outside of the window in our garden. During the winter months, the water outside becomes very cold & logistically, due to the school schedule, it becomes hard to schedule a water change sometimes. I can admit, that although i have to add water to the tank at least once per week, it has gone as long as 4-5 months without a large water change. Now, with that being said, the fish in that tank are not fed nearly as much as the ones at home because I'm not there on weekends and i only feed them in the afternoon before i leave. The 270 is a mixture of around 40-50 varying sizes of haps, peacocks and mbunas. The fish keep on feeding, breeding & looking great. Due to occasional budgetary issues in school, i also stopped using any water conditions or treatments & the fish are still fine. Is it just a testament to the true hardiness of the African Cichlids? I don't know. Thanks again for your videos Ben!

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Wow, that's amazing. It makes me think that between the sump, canister and sponge filter in that 270 (along with decor and substrate) you have a massive amount of beneficial bacteria working real hard for you. Also, when you had the 270 gal's to the water in the sump, you are no doubt over 300 gal's and that's a lot of water that can dilute ammonia, nitrite and nitrates. The kids must love it. Thanks for the comment!

I change once every two weeks and only 25%. Well planted tank; moderately stocked. I use the waste water for house plants and man they do good!

Depending of readings, I generally don't change the water often. I use heavy plants and add essential minerals.

@BenOchart

Жыл бұрын

Your plants are doing the work for you. Unfortunately any plants I put in a big African cichlid tank gets turned into a green smoothie within 48 hours.

Hi Love your videos i find them very informative and extreamly well presented I just recently set up a 105 gallon tank with a 21 gallon sump with 3 cichlids 1 pleco and 2 Oscars. all small under 2 inches . Been running about 4 days now i know it will take 4 to 6 weeks for bacteria to build up in the sump My question doing water changes & vacuuming how often should i do these and will this slow down my bacteria growth

If i was to use the service port on my fx4 to refill my tank during a water change straight from my garden hose using an adapter, would it harm the beneficial bacteria inside my filter? Would be using prime inside the tank but fill straight from the hose through the service/drain valve.

Thank you for the info Sir .. Btw I really can’t get over of your nice soothing voice maybe I’m a fan of The late Kenny Rogers.. keep safe Sir and God bless 🙏❤️

Hi Ben, great video and topic! I generally do a 50-60% water change on my Malawi fish every 5-6 days and sometimes even more often. Much of it has to do with Nitrate levels and water clarity. I also have time to do it more frequently because as you already knew, I am partially disabled and I am no longer working. I also want to remove excess hormone levels and re-mineralize the water as my water is soft here for Africans and I have to supplement during water changes. For my Tanganyikan fish, it is always recommended that smaller 25-30% water changes are performed weekly, as they cannot tolerate large swings in total water parameters and Nitrates must stay at or below 20ppm. Anyways, I’m picking up two pair of wild caught Tanganyikan Gold Head Compressiceps in just a few days, and I have already gotten a tank ready for them. Thanks very much for sharing 👍.

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Denny's Aquatics I should have mentioned the hormone aspect which can trigger a lot with certain fish. Post a video on those gold heads, they sound awesome.

@slickchick5811

5 жыл бұрын

drop some calcium tablets in your filters!

You have absolutely gorgeous fish! Thanks for the info.

@BenOchart

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Walter and you're welcome!

@BenOchart

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Walter and you're welcome!

Hi Ben love your videos I have a 75g with about 30 juveniles I do 30% water changes every 4 days I use biohome I got from pondguru nitrates always low under 10 tank and fish look great when I was starting with Cichlid your videos were a great help

Good work

Is it correct to assume that if ammonia level is high, then my tank water is more alkaline. In order to excrete some ammonia from the water, I try to get the aquarium to be more acidic eg by adding vinegar. Is this the correct mindset or not? Thks

Great, informative video.

Hoi Ben Thank you for your reaction, brown/ black algea, more or less intensity of light, or less time light Groetjes Hans

when you do a water change and test for nitrates afterwards how much of a drop ppm do you actually see, if any?

Great vid, Ben! On my 125 African Cichlid tank, I do 25% water changes once every week. Two Sunsuns: 704b and 3000 series. Nitrates tend to stay between 15 and 20 ppm, but will creep up to around 30 if I don’t stay on schedule.

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you GFG. What do you think of that 3000 series?

@gamingfishguy3546

5 жыл бұрын

Hey, Ben! I’m truly enjoying it. I like that i can put my UV sterilizer on a schedule and adjust the motor speed to allow for longer water contact with the media, if i choose. Thumbs up for sure!

@J_T03

3 жыл бұрын

Is 20 ppm okay for a tropical fish tank? I've been looking and reading all over the internet and I haven't found much, I've tried lowering it but there are nitrates in my tap water from what I saw when I tested up to 5 ppm so if I do a water change of 50 percent then my nitrates go down to 15 ppm

Here in Southern California? Did I just jump in the Hot Tub Time Machine? 😂

@Whips_World

13 күн бұрын

As it turns out, yes... yes I did! 😮😂

Oh this is good information because I am gonna have my first fish to take care of

Hi i do water change weekly 30% the drink water here in the Netherlands is just perfect, only problem is algea on the rocks for the rest very good.Keep on posting, iam learning, thanks

@BenOchart

3 жыл бұрын

Hello Hans! Algae (green algae) is a bad thing since it can add oxygen and reduce nitrates. Of course it can be distracting on the front glass panel and I certainly don't like the brown/black/red varieties of algae. Thank you for watching and commenting.

I have also been reading that I have to do 20% water changes 4 times in the month and the last day of the same month do half a tank what do I d please

Is a 20g Long with: 1 betta, 6neon tetras, 4 dwarf pseudomogul signifiers, 5 panda Cory’s, and 4 snails overstocked? I have about 13-14 plants in as well. I’m guessing it is so what percent water change does anyone recommend?

Very good info👍👍👍

@BenOchart

4 жыл бұрын

Glad you think so!

So I have a 55 gallon tank with 15 Cichlids and a Fluval FX6 ( 400 gallons filter) I feed my fish 2 times a day, how often should I change the water ?

Pet co told me my nitrates were over 200ppm did a water change yesterday when is the earliest I can do my next water change?

Good video and information. Subscribed.

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Howard!

Think as long as the method u have is consistent you will be successful x

I add to replace evaporated water, which in the winter can be about 10% every week and change 30% of the water every three weeks. My 36 Gallon is heavily planted and under stocked so this has worked for me.

I'm new to the hobby, I just did my first water change/gravel vac now, I've had the tank going on 3 months, I've got 2 rainbow shark, 1 African dwarf frog and a handful of other glow fish/tetras and a pleco for safe keeping lol, the fish are healthy and happy, adjusting to the new water change.. my question is what is water hardness and can you do a video on it please? Sincerely, -Christian Ayala.

I watch how it takes the bubbles from the air stone to break after moving across the water top. Also have Java fern for 40 years. Nitrates always zero. Fish usually five years plus.. 20 gallons.

I have a one gallon tank with a male betta. I do water change every week. Add stress coat, heater and filter with a digital therm. My question is in a couple of days after doing the cleaning of the tank something is sticking to the heater and digital therm. I do not know what it is. Could it be the aloe vera sticking to the items? Could it be algae? The betta seems fine. Should I do a water change twice a week? Please respond. Thank you.

Very good video Ben

@BenOchart

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

Another good video Ben !! My giant sump keeps my nitrates down at the 5.0 between water changes. I do weekly 20% changes ( 200 gallons ), but the nitrates wont drift up even if I have to wait 3 weeks. I totally agree about the minerals.. Also, I had mentioned my catalytic carbon home water filter system.. It does remove chlorine and chloramine and sediment, however I did learn it doesn't remove heavy metals, which caused me some unnecessary fish stress, for a few weeks. So Im still going to add Kordon Novaqua to remove the heavy metals. Fishkeeping isn't just a Hobby, Its a lifestyle !!

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Is your tank 200 gal or is your sump 200 gal. If you have a 200 gal sump ... that would be one epic dilution of ppm. No kidding on the lifestyle comment.

@FreeSwimmer

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for message back sir.. The 20% water change is 200 gallons.. My sump is 210 gallons total volume, with 2 media towers at 24" x 16" x 16".. I run the sump at 2/3 full ( 140 gallons ).. My tank volume is 1000 gallons. I run a 5000 gph pond pump, for slightly under 5x turnover..

After keeping Marine tanks for years, I have learned that Less is More. Test the water first, otherwise, you could be getting rid of good water for new water, {two different things}. On my 75g fresh, I generally do 10-20% every 1 --2 weeks as needed. After watching your canister filter foam set up video, my tank stays stable for a longer period. My Weather Loach ( Ron Burgandy) tunnels through the sand like a dune worm and keeps debris on top to be swept away quickly. I am glad that many of your viewers have not killed all their fish by doing such drastic water changes (IMHO). As I stated in the beginning, in Marine tanks, large changes kill fish usually. I enjoy the topics of your videos and am learning to chill as you describe your topics in that "Cali" Zen-Master cadence that so many like.

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Great point! I find that fresh water guys, like me, have a lot to learn from those who keep saltwater tanks. I was glad to hear from someone who knows what a Dune worm is, LOL! Thank you for watching and commenting!

@condorX2

3 жыл бұрын

I still have a lot to learn too like ph of water. I'll never know about this since I didn't have the tool. What shocking your fish? I won't know about that either. What's good and bad water? Nope. Nitrates? Hmm

I do 30% changes on my planted tanks twice weekly (Monday & Friday). That's my routine and I've been doing it that way for years. Is it the best way? I don't know. However, it works well for me.

Great video, great topic, yeah here 60% twice a week because nitrate problem, if I do 60% w/c on Monday nitrate goes to 10-20 and by Friday is on 40ppm plus

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Well Efrain, your fish and tank look great so I wouldn't change anything. Thanks for watching my friend.

I have a 1 gallon fish bowl with no filter for my Betta fish. I do 20% water change everyday using a syphon.

My 55 gallon has South American Cichlid. I change out water with 15 gallons with a 55 gallon tank. My Nitrites and Nitrates were very high. My Ammonia was 0. Should I add minerals when I do a water change? Minerals out of the tap are low..we are on a well. I am confused as to how I get a balance tank. My PH was 7.6 which I prefer a 7.0 reading. Your help is appreciated.

I have two fx6 working in 150 gal tank, I do water changes once a month. I just checked parameters and everything was cero and nitrates 40 ppm. As a matter of fact I’m doing a water change right now. Happy thanksgiving 🦃

Hi Ben! Do you add cichlid trace or seachem cichlid salt in your tanks? If yes how much do you use for your 60g tank 😊 thanks!

@BenOchart

4 жыл бұрын

Yes. Seachem calls it Malawi Lake Salt but it's really just trace minerals and not salt like Epson salt or aquarium salt. I estimate I use (less than recommended) a heaping teaspoon each week with a water change.

Where is the best place to buy water testing kits?

You have the best advice on fish keeping. Especially water chemistry. I use test strips everyday to give me a clue. I don't trust them, but they are a good indicator. If something looks wrong I pull out the test kit. I think water changes over 50% is not useful unless the tank has crashed. Ben, try to get your followers to get rid of those dammed canister filters and use a sump. You have a wonderful video on just that subject I think.

Hi Ben...i have 55g w/ 14 cichlids and 1 pleco, fx4 as cannister filter. I do test the water parameters....my reading is 7.6(pH), 0 (am), 0 (no2) and 0 (no3)...I'm doing 25% once a week. Do I need to stretch it out or just continue doing what my H2O change schedule? Thanks and learning a lot from your channel...subscribed!!!

Hi. Different/similar topic. I have a 55g planted tank with 6 congos, 5 bottlenose, and 22 harlequins. 1 Congo has been panting for about a week now and eating less than the others. I currently do 20% weekly changes. On a forum I've been recommended a 75% change by two people. I don't usually gravel vac because I have so much plant growth. I have very soft tap water ph 7.5. Would you recommend the large change also ? I'm worried it will stress all the other healthy fish. Thanks.

In my new 110 gallon tank, my substrate is 2 inches of Crushed Coral and I am using an under gravel system of slotted pipes with ceramic barrels between the slotted piping. The pipes are separated from the substrate with sheets of aquarium sponge so that the substrate doesn't clog the slots in the pipes. The under gravel pipe system is split into two separate systems with an FX4 on one half and a Marineland 360 on the other half. The two intakes pull completely just from the under gravel system so All the Water is being sucked through the mineral rich Crushed Coral before hitting the filters and then pumped back in via 2 out puts on opposite sides of the tank. It has great flow. My question is that with the under gravel system and the crushed coral, and the two canister filter overkill, will that keep PH buffering minerals suspended in my tank as long as the Coral holds out, theoretically cutting out the need for water changes?

I have four gold fish in a 20 gallon tank. How often should do a water change and what percentage?

What do you recommend is the best product for testing the water? Those paper tabs with color don't seem accurate to me.

@BenOchart

3 жыл бұрын

I've tried them all and Salifert seemed the easiest to read and most reliable. I use the strips when I want a quick feel for how things are going. I think they are okay for that, something quick. The API master test kit is okay, but I keep hearing from many that it measure nitrates too high and can alarm a fish keeper for nothing.

I have about 3 big sponge filters and haven't changed the water in over 5 months, but I do stir the water up once and a while

Hi Ben I have a heavily stocked cichlid tank so do 10% every day keeps my water clear and do my canister filters once a month do you think that’s to much or right my friend fish seem fine with it ?

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

I would never recommend changing a routine that is working.

@gazyg1973

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks 🙏 Ben 👍

Has a certain food ever caused a cloudy water. I have recently

I do water changes every week once a week 50% is this the right think to do? I have lost 2 fish lately and googled it and said the resin I lost the fish was due to swim bladder is this true? Also i swirl my sand around to reveal any unseen food and suck it out is what I’m doing the right think to do? Please help me

When water change is being done do you have any extra chemicals, like Quickstart or stress coat+?? I have a 20 gallon long tank with 10 Cory doras 5 albinos and 5 green and one clown plenco

@BenOchart

3 жыл бұрын

I’m not sure I understand what you mean?

I've just started my aquarium. No fish yet as only 3 weeks old. How long do I leave it? Nitrites still high

@LulaMae21

4 жыл бұрын

Till there's no ammonia and no nitrites, preferably.

I also do minimal disturbing of my fish. I vacuum out the debris, waste and excess food every few days. Over filter, use power heads and keep waste and excrement down and you should normally just have to add small amounts of water to keep up your level. 6 cichlids and a pleco, all very happy and active. Another note, I mix in live earthworm feedings whenever it rains out. No floating waste and they really seem to love worm tug of war. Haha

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

That would be a funny thing to see, an earthworm tug of war. What is the size of your tank?

We have a 75gal and 29gal planted aquariums. We perform water change based on visual cues...detritus removal off black gravel, especially around the base of the plants and the corners. We've done as much as 15%, to as little as 5% water change per week. We have very hard water in our area, but, Chemistry readings have been relatively stable; pH 7.6, NO2 - 0 ppm, NO3 - 0 ppm, NH3/4 - 0 ppm, KH - 7 and GH at a whopping 24! We run an overflow sump (20gal.) in our 75g., with a U/V sterilizer through a 300/560 gph pump. The 29g., uses a Fluval 406 canister.

Ben. Your videos are quite informative and I really envy ur knowledge of cichlid fish keeping. I do siphoning daily. I change around 50 percent every week in my 75g. I have around 15 fishes in there but half of them are around 5 inches plus

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you. That's a good number of fish for a 75. Your maintenance schedule sounds like a good one. Thank you for watching.

Hi Ben, can I ask you a question? Is it possible to use Ro waste water for my African Cichlid tank? My tap water TDS is 158 my RO waste water TDS water is 198. I get a wide range of answers to this, don't know why. I don't like wasting water if I don't have too. Any help. Thanks...

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Ray, any answer I give you would be a guess, and I rather not guess and give you bad info. My only concern with RO units is that they strip out everything, including the minerals. So it's unusual to get a higher TDS in the RO water unless I'm more confused that previously imagined.

for saltwater fish tank can I change water while tank is cycling there is no fish in it it is the third week all brown algae everywhere???

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Mohannad, I'm sorry but I'm the person you want to check with with saltwater issues. There are water issues unique to SW that I'm sure I'm not aware of. Send and email to Bulk Reef Supply and tell them what's going on and they will give you a tip. Something is off like phosphates or some such.

Hi I only have one Betta fish in a 10 gallon tank with a filter I'm I hurting my fish because I've een doing a complete water change every 2 weeks but my fish swims around and looks healthy idk anything about checking for nitrate levels etc

20% every 10 days..Vacuuming the gravel and rinsing the filter media from my HOB filter with the water I siphoned out of the tank

once a week 8 tanks cheers sir great video !

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you David!

I have a question I did a water change recently and the next day I tested the nitrates and it was high.. my tank is overstocked so does that mean I have to do a water change daily?

@BenOchart

2 жыл бұрын

What were the readings? How many and what size are the fish? How often and how much is you current WC routine, what filtration do you have on the tank and how often do you service them? How often and how much do you feed?

The Dave Hi , I have a question, I bought 10 guppies and the next day one of t passed away. And just few days ago I bought 6 more and in two days 4 of them passed away ( the ones I bought few days ago ) do you have any idea why they passed away? And we usually do our water change every week cause the water become really yellowish/orangish. And in our tank tthe air pump is on 24/7. And the water is tap water but we let it stay for 4 days then fill the tank. Please help me out and tell me if I’m doing some mistakes .

@BenOchart

4 жыл бұрын

Hard to tell without knowing your water test results. Also, you might be buying fish that are already sick but you can't tell. What are your water test results? What are the test results of the tap water you are using for your water changes? What water conditioner do you use when you do a water change? There are many variables.

@raziatahir7095

4 жыл бұрын

Ben Ochart unfortunately I don’t use water conditioner or water test.. the guy who sold the fish to me in his store they didn’t have it and he said it wasn’t necessary. Plus I’m new to al this 🤥 and it’s been almost a month since I’m havin these fishes

Awesome Video my friend. 👍

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you UFS, I appreciate you supporting the channel!

@ultimatefishkeeping

5 жыл бұрын

My pleasure. Thankyou for sharing. I always enjoy watching your content.

My tank is 7 days old since I first put fish in (just tropical fish) after it cycle. When do you think I should do my first water change?

@BenOchart

4 жыл бұрын

Monitor your nitrates and when they go over 20 do a 30 to 40% change. Just my opinion.

I try to do a 20-30% change once a week with a small gravel clean... and a full on total gravel vac once a month with a 50% water change...

@BenOchart

4 жыл бұрын

That's a real sensible schedule. Really minimizes the stress on the fish. I like it!

Is it normal when poop and some debris are still floating around the tanks after I do a 25% water change? Should I keep vacuuming the gravel or keep taking water out? Or just do 25% and try to suck much poop out as I can?

@BenOchart

4 жыл бұрын

There’s airways going to be something floating around.

Good video Ben

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Ben what is the fish at :34 ?! Please and thank you.

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

DonTripYouLost Otopharynx tetrastigma

Just wondering what the difference is between seachem cichlid salt and seachem cichlid buffer? Should I be using both?

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Depends on your water conditions. Before using any additives check your tank and tap and see what your starting point is.

I haven't been able to find an answer anywhere...I have a 10 gallon with 8 platies and a few babies (so far). I have a lot of live plants and decor as well. My question is, how do I clean the tank without disrupting everything and sucking up the babies?

Ok got it, what about when should I clean the fish tank inside and clean everything inside the fish tank?

@BenOchart

4 жыл бұрын

The less you mess the better. You can use an algae sponge on the front three panels every week but unless your decor/plants are looking real dirty, I wouldn't mess with them. Just don't do too much at one time since it can upset the balance of the tank and stress out the fish.

After a while, your tank is settled and clean, cycled, etc. It's nitrates alone that force weekly water changes...Ben you should do a deep dive video on bio media and anaerobic bacteria which is the only thing that keeps nitrates down...and thus less need for frequent water changes.

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

Yes, I just came across this one and it's pretty interesting stuff: kzread.info/dash/bejne/l46Bl66uZtOYm5M.html

Thanks for video, good topic. Starting to believe anaerobic bacteria is a myth I have ran many tests with the best filter media available and could not achieve this for up to a year. The best I can get is 3 weeks till my nitrates reach 40ppm then I do a 70% water change. The only thing that can remove nitrates that I know of is plants.

@BenOchart

5 жыл бұрын

One fellow, I'll provide the link, used biohome and got the nitrates so low he had to start adding it to the aquarium for the plants. Here's the link to his video: kzread.info/dash/bejne/l46Bl66uZtOYm5M.html Regarding plants, I see a lot of aquaponics showing up in fish rooms, but I hear that it takes a lot of plants to make a dent in the high volumne of waste put out by ACs. Thanks for watching VP!

I change my tank water twice a week because I have a one gallon tank with a male betta. I do not want ammonia to be a problem. My betta really likes when I do a water change. He swims all over and makes bubble nests. I also have six moss balls in the tank.