Achieving stable water conditions in small aquariums

[Rivert]

I'm really struggling with this, to be honest. Maintaining stable water conditions in small aquariums seems like a challenge many of you have overcome, but I'm finding it tough.

My larger tank, the 180L one, has been a breeze, but this smaller one is a different story altogether. I've heard it before, of course - people saying it's easier with bigger tanks, but I guess I'm experiencing that firsthand now.

[loden]

I've found that smaller aquariums do require more frequent water changes, to keep the water parameters in line with the source water. How often do you change the water and what percentage do you replace, I'm curious to know if my approach is off.

[belleora]

In my experience with multiple small tanks, I've found that a combination of understocking, over filtering, and heavy planting seems to be key in maintaining stable water conditions. Large weekly water changes are also crucial, but I've noticed that when my stocking levels are higher, I need to increase the frequency of water changes to compensate. For instance, when I'm growing out large numbers of fry, I typically need to do water changes 2-3 times a week to keep the water quality up to par.

[kingrise]

From my experience with smaller tanks, I've found it's crucial to do more frequent water changes to maintain stable conditions.

I had a 2.5g tank running and I'd have to change the water twice a week to keep things stable. Bigger tanks, like 10g to 29g, seemed to be fine with just one weekly water change.

[angler_1]

My 10-gallon was a nightmare to keep stable when it was unplanted. Upgrading to my 38-gallon was a game-changer. Recently, I busted out the 10-gallon again - about 6 months ago - for my electric blue Jack Dempsey. Poor guy got beat up in the 75-gallon, so I set up the smaller tank as a recovery space. I added sand, planted dwarf grass, a few ferns, some other plants, and some roots. Now, I barely do water changes - just top it off as needed. The parameters stay spot on, and the water's crystal clear. The plants are the key. My Jack Dempsey's happy and healthy in there, fins all grown back after his rough patch.

[littleking]

Indeed, smaller tanks do pose more challenges than their larger counterparts, mainly due to the limited water volume which makes it harder to dilute toxic elements. This issue is somewhat alleviated with the presence of live plants, as they contribute to maintaining stable water conditions.

In smaller tanks, water parameters are less forgiving due to the reduced water volume, resulting in less dilution of toxic elements. To counter this, I firmly believe that larger and more frequent water changes, along with the addition of live plants, are essential for the well-being of these smaller tanks.

What really gets my goat, though, is that many local fish stores, especially chain stores and online retailers, sell these so-called "starter tanks" that can range from 3 to 10 gallons. New hobbyists often have no idea about the challenges that come with these small tanks, and as a result, both they and their livestock are set up for failure from the very start. It's a pet peeve of mine, and I just wish these stores would be more considerate of the welfare of the fish and the newcomers to the hobby.

[burglar_4]

Lovely setup you've got there. I've always been drawn to Jack Dempseys, but figured they needed a lot of space to thrive. I'm guessing your electric blue Jack Dempsey will eventually outgrow this tank and need a bigger home, right?

[kingrise]

Love the setup, great job with the tank, really nice.

[kingrise]

Lovely setup you've got there. I've always been drawn to Jack Dempseys, but figured they needed a lot of space to thrive. I'm guessing your electric blue Jack Dempsey will eventually outgrow this tank and need a bigger home, right?

Yeah they can get pretty big, I'm talking up to 10 inches easy. A 55 gallon tank is the bare minimum for these guys, and even then you're gonna want a fine sanded bottom to keep 'em happy.

[burglar_4]

For smaller tanks, I'm curious, do you guys keep them solo or is it okay to add some tankmates?