How big of a water change?

[Brucifer]

Before I got my rams, I did a 50% water change on my 20 gal heavilyl planted tank once every week. The tank was kept with a pH of 6.8 and the treated tap water had a pH of 7.4. The 50% change never caused any problems for the fish (bristlenose pleco, otos, rummynose tetras).

Now I keep my tank at a pH of 6.2 to 6.4 and have rams. The tap water is still 7.4. Will a 50% water change cause problems now?

Thanks.

- Bruce

 

[aspen]

ime large w/c's that cause a rise in ph are not as problematic as those which cause the ph to go down significantly. i have done this with rams with no problem, if the rams are settled into the tank and are healthy. i take it you are concerned about the new water not being co2 treated.

rick

 

[Neil]

Brucifer,

WELCOME TO THE FORUM

I agree with aspen. You are not likely to see any ill-effects from your water changes, although the farther your main tank is from tap, the more likely there will be alterations from your changes. The problem will arise when you have have fry. Ram fry are very sensitive to these changes. Your will need to do alittle extra water preparation at that time.

Neil