Post water change chemistry

[GR1KTR]

Following a water change, how do you ensure that you dose exactly the right amount of products to return the chemistry of the aquarium to it's pre-water change state?

For instance, do I need to measure the amount of litres out during a water change in order to dose exactly? How do I measure this in an easy way? How do I ensure the consistency of litres out during a water change in order to dose correctly post-water change?

Has anyone experimented with something like a small outdoor tank, kept at the perfect chemistry level for a planted aquarium, to ensure the water going in is the same chemistry as the water going out during a WC?

Many thanks in advance.
Glenn.

 

[keithgh]

For instance, do I need to measure the amount of litres out during a water change in order to dose exactly? How do I measure this in an easy way? How do I ensure the consistency of litres out during a water change in order to dose correctly post-water change?

Glenn
Unless I am wrong you are heading for a massive dose of "Worryitis"
You say you are living in Melb is that the CBD or out in the Suburbs, if you did a full test on your water supply every time you would go crazy as it will not be the same over the year, mine varies during the seasons as I live in a coastal tourist town.

Measuring the amount you take out is easy you should know the exact quantity of water in your tank.
I took out the water by syphoning it into a 15lt water container, when I reached the 30% I marked the side of the tank then I stuck on a stick on Temp Gauge and a small strip of sticky paper the other end now I know exactly how much I have taken out.

I store all my water and when I do the water change I adjust the water.

I have been using this method for about 30 years and never a problem.

If its an outdoor tank just pump it into a measured water container.

If you think about it every time it rains it must adjust the water chemistry and as it evaporates it also alters the water chemistry.

Is it worth all the worry?????

Keith

 

[ShadowMac]

I agree with Keith... a lot of worry for nothing really to gain. Depends on what you are dosing but generally you should just dose for the full volume. In nature each time it rains the chemistry of the river or lake is slightly altered. Generally speaking there is no problem with small fluctuations. Large rapid swings of some things can impact osmoregulation of fish but this will not happen if you use the same water source each time.

 

[GR1KTR]

Thank you for putting my mind at ease. I will just dose as per usual and stop being a perfectionist!