Water change times

[daveverdo]

I was just getting ready to do a water change when the tank lights went out and I thought "Should I do this after lights out?"

So I will pose the question to all of you.

When is a good or bad time to do a water change or does it matter?

I have a basement sump and the water changes are pretty automated. Open a valve, empty X gallons down the drain. Turn on pump in tank with premixed salt water and refill X gallons. I can do it before lights on in the morning, middle of the day, after lights out, middle of the night.

Any pros and cons?

Dave

 

[Conesus_Kid]

I do mine in the AM before the lights come on. I remember Calfo saying something about coralline dying off when exposed to high intensity lighting when the water level is lowered during the change.

 

[Capt_Cully]

Personally, I prefer to do it once my halides come on. AKA business hours in the tank. I don't worry so much about freaking any inhabitants out, plus visibility is at its finest for seeking and siphoning detritus.

Now, is that good, bad, indifferent? I don't know. Just the way I prefer to handle it.

Hope that helps a little.

Cully

 

[nwrogers]

I don't think it matters personally. I do it whenever I get around to it.

 

[Kent E]

Whenever- day, evening, sometimes when feeling spunky in the middle of the night. I think inhabitants know somethings up but I don't think they get stressed.

 

[treefer]

same as Kent E if i have time and the lights happen to be on, than it gets done.

 

[oceanparadise1]

i dont think it really matters