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Hello,

My three baby Pandas have been living in my tank for at least 6 weeks. I haven't made a big water change in that time due to concerns about the bio filter. The reading on the tank have been stable for a few weeks and now I'm considering a 50% water change. My question is this..What affect on the baby Pandas would such a large water change have?

Thanks

Eric

Large water changes are generally a bad idea, especially if it's been awhile since you wont' be able to match the new water with the old water. Sudden changes of any sort can always bring on stress.
I would instead suggest a series of daily water changes.
Water changes can still be done and not disturb your biofilter by simply changing the water rather than doing complete maintence (of a gravel vac and water change). Considering it's corys you've got I'd have still done the water changes combined with a gravel hover (just sweep the surface rather than going all the way down) in order to reduce the ammount of waste they had to stick their noses in all day.

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I wouldn't go with the 50% water change, but i would start doing 30% water changes once a week. That is about what I do on my tanks that are under "normal/safe" stocking. Those that are "a bit overstocked" get 50% or so a week. If you keep doing the water changes at the same amount and can get the water parameters equal to what you are taking out (temp/pH/etc) you should be ok to do the 50% but you have to be sure to keep up at the same level of wc every week. Don't do a 50% this week and then expect the tank to be good to go for 2 or 3 weeks. The fresh water will be good for growth of the new little guys, and they will enjoy it...the fresher the water, the better in most cases heidi

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With fry, clean water is always the best way to get them to grow quickly and healthy. As stated above, the large water changes should be avoided. More frequent water changes of about 20% or so, are considered much better. The reasons are already stated about the stress of the change in water parameters. As for your biofilter, well it will be fine no matter what you do, as long as you keep it wet.

HTH....

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