Water Changes in empty tank

**Aquawoman** · 03-13-2013, 05:28 PM

Is it necessary to do water changes in a tank with just plants?

**genocidex** · 03-13-2013, 05:40 PM

Yes, your tap water contains micro nutrition for all your plants. It also helps not let the water become stagnant...

**Hardy85** · 03-13-2013, 05:40 PM

I believe it would help, just to provide more minerals from the water. Are you using ferts and CO2?

**Aquawoman** · 03-13-2013, 06:22 PM

Just fertilizer tablets

**imma24** · 03-13-2013, 06:29 PM

If you aren't running a filter to prepare to add fish (which would provide some agitation), then +1 with genocidex - there needs to be some oxygen added to the water as well as the nutrients mentioned.

**Aquawoman** · 03-13-2013, 06:51 PM

I have two power filters on it, and I'm planning on adding fish. I wanted to get some plants established beforehand. Although, I still have cloudy water which I'm thinking is from the sand.

**imma24** · 03-13-2013, 06:53 PM

Are you perchance cycling it right now before getting the fish? That could be causing cloudiness too.

**Aquawoman** · 03-13-2013, 06:58 PM

That was my next thought...I had it setup in its current location for about two or three weeks now. It use to be in a different room.

**imma24** · 03-13-2013, 07:05 PM

Keep in mind that running a tank with plants isn't preparing the tank for fish - the filter needs to go through the nitrogen cycle (with the addition of ammonia to grow beneficial bacteria) in order to make the tank safe for fish.

There are many people who will use the fish's own ammonia to do this, but it can be potentially stressful on the fish. You need to let the ammonia build up just enough to grow bacteria but not let it go too high that the fish are harmed. If you choose to do that you need to have a good way to test your water during the process and change the water as needed.

Many forum members recommend using pure ammonia to cycle - there is a "sticky" in red letters in the beginner section and that way there is no need to change your water until the tank is cycled.