Water change!

Anyone know the reason of water changes every week?? I just want to know how much we really know. As I'm venturing more and more into breeding. I'm learning the importance of good water quality. There is a difference in keeping something and making it thrive.

I'd suggest this be moved to the Dumb Question category... Bill

TDS. The total dissolved solid levels build up and water changes dilute them. Even if ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphates are zero, there's still other things that build up with time that simple test kits can't read.

Vic.. ya got a few hours and time to take notes?... This article seems to be taking both sides of the story regarding TDS's.... 
My 2 cents?  W/C's are primarily for removal of Nitrates, solid wastes (Plant and fish) and replenishment of trace elements.  But the article confuses me or maybe rebutt's my experience with GBR's/Bolivian's...
http://www.plecoplanet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3480
Bill

P.S.   Warning:  the article gets deep into the weeds.

Probably a better article about TDS's  http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/member-submitted-articles/total-solids-tss-tds-freshwater-aquarium-122027/
Bill

Water changes can also trigger breeding in some fish by mimicking the rainy season. A rush of fresh water is like a sudden rainstorm. dilutes TDS, lowers the temperature slightly, and alters the water chemistry.

I don't know that every week is really a requirement, although I definitely do it when I am trying to get something to grow or breed.

I think where water changes pay off is when you do big ones. The thing that happens with 10 to 20% water changes is they don't really make a dent in the waste build up - Nitrates etc. My water changes tend to be every 10 to 15 days, but they also tend to be large - 50 to 60%.

Although if I was doing more sensitive species I might do them smaller and more frequently. Also with planted tanks, Nitrate removal might be taken care of by the plants, so the smaller amount more frequently might be a good practice.

I tell people to do 25%-30% water changes and in cases of an emergency to do 50%. This is good advice for new fish keepers who are likely to do something wrong. The smaller water changes allow greater room for error. As an experienced aquarist I usually do 50% changes monthly as a minimum. Sometimes more often if I'm concerned about something.

I tell others to do at least 25% a week. I personly like doing 50% especially on a planted tank. The trace elements that are in my water seem to make my plant thrive. Also noticed after every major water change fish seem a lot more active.

why is this dumb question? This is a VERY important part of aquarium keeping and very much on topic and relevant to everyone in the hobby.

Kat, the whole reason this category is here is for questions that folks should know the answer to but possibly don't!  It goes along with the old saying:
“The only stupid question is the question that is never asked.”
It is intended as a means for those that might be embarrassed to pose a question to submit it here!  These questions can be copied from any source...i.e. other groups, web-sites etc. 

It is also intended to promote debate and suggestions for best practices.  

Bill

Some fish can last a long time without a water change Years ago when i first startediiiiiiused to do water changes once a year 100%