[APD] RE: Aquatic-Plants Digest, Vol 4, Issue 109

["Arturo Giacosa" <agiacosa at msn_com>]

Hi Karen,


Happy holidays to you and your family.

"So the bottom line is, don't get your knickers in a twist over ich, and for 
HEAVEN sake, don't fear water changes!"

I agree with most of what you said.  However, I don't think any of us fear 
water changes.  We have been around long enough to realize that a good water 
change can solve a lot of things and should be considered a good thing.

What I draw an issue with is having to do large weekly water changes to 
counter the large nutrient input.  As I mentioned before, I would not like 
to tell a friend that is looking to get into planted aquariums that he has 
to be ready to committ to 50% weekly water changes.  This is especially true 
if they do not have easy access to a semi automatic, hose system and must 
rely on buckets.

What I would likely tell them is to use the mega dosing method until they 
get the hang of things and can afford to invest in good test kits.  Then 
begin to adjust nutrient input levels accordingly.

For what it's worth, I routinely do 25% water changes every 2-3 weeks, but 
have gone 4-5 weeks when things get busy.

Regards,

Art Giacosa

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