50 % water changes?

[my dead bettas]

My tap water has a lot of ammonia and has killed two of my fish. I have a 5 Gallon tank (no filter). Lately, I have been using Publix brand spring water for my latest fish and he seems to be doing great (small bowl - doing daily 100% changes)

Can I get away with doing 50% water changes every week (on the 5 gallon)? or will that depend on the parameters?

I am considering downgrading to a 2.5 tank to save a bit of money on the water changes.


Btw, I understand the concept of "cycling" but I have not found a good source to guide me through the process. This is the reason I am not doing it at this time.

[cmndrJOE]

From what I understand its really hard for a tank under 5 gal to hold a cycle. 100% waterchanges are also generally bad because there are essential bacteria that grow in the tank that help keep the tank clean. From the information I've read here, 25-50% waterchanges are generally the rule of thumb, and every other day should be good. Hopefully someone more experienced thant me can help confirm some of this info.

[1fish2fish]

A 5 gallon tank can easily hold a cycle. All my tanks from 2.5-10 gallons are cycled with no problems.

Cycling seems harder than it actually is. If you have fish already in the tank you can do a fish-in cycle but it is hard work and requires daily water changes to keep the levels low enough to not harm the fish. Fishless cycling is much easier and 100% safe for the fish. To cycle your going to need a good liquid test kit. Once you decide which method of cycling you want to do you can start researching how to do it. For fishless cycling I recommend using ammonia. Some people use fish food but I think that would create harmful as well as beneficial bacteria.


Even on a cycled 5 gallon I would do two water changes a week. (50% each time). Have you tried using Prime conditioner to see if that neutralizes the ammonia in your tap water?

For your small bowl continue doing 100% water changes. Their may be some beneficial bacteria that grow but without a source of aeration the bacteria will not live.

[my dead bettas]

Originally Posted by 1fish2fish

A 5 gallon tank can easily hold a cycle. All my tanks from 2.5-10 gallons are cycled with no problems.

Cycling seems harder than it actually is. If you have fish already in the tank you can do a fish-in cycle but it is hard work and requires daily water changes to keep the levels low enough to not harm the fish. Fishless cycling is much easier and 100% safe for the fish. To cycle your going to need a good liquid test kit. Once you decide which method of cycling you want to do you can start researching how to do it. For fishless cycling I recommend using ammonia. Some people use fish food but I think that would create harmful as well as beneficial bacteria.


Even on a cycled 5 gallon I would do two water changes a week. (50% each time). Have you tried using Prime conditioner to see if that neutralizes the ammonia in your tap water?

For your small bowl continue doing 100% water changes. Their may be some beneficial bacteria that grow but without a source of aeration the bacteria will not live.

I have ammonia neutralizer but I am afraid of it since the water still test positive (which it should). I hear it only neutralizes ammonia for 24 hrs or so, so its hard to judge.

[1fish2fish]

If it neutralizes ammonia then it lasts for more than 24 hours. A neutralizer is supposed to take the ammonia and transform it into something less toxic.

[my dead bettas]

quick question, if my water already has ammonia, how will affect my fish (if cycling) during water changes. I would be adding more ammonia every time I change the water

[sunset]

Where did the post go for a step by step instruction for fishless cycling go? Can someone link it please?

[Mister Sparkle]

Originally Posted by 1fish2fish

If it neutralizes ammonia then it lasts for more than 24 hours. A neutralizer is supposed to take the ammonia and transform it into something less toxic.

It is changed through a weak chemical bond, one which will not last.

[my dead bettas]

so, it is possible to cycle and maintain my tank considering my tap water has ammonia?

[ecoprincess]

i do one 50% water change and one 90% water change a week in my 5g (no filter)

(not cycled)