Does a 5 gallon top-off consitute a small water change?

fasteddie99 · 12/03/2008, 06:52 PM

I went on vacation for a week and had someone feeding the fish but was unable to top-off while I was gone. I am guessing that about 5 gallons of water evaporated, so I have 5 gallons circulating with ph 8.2 so I can top it off. I need to lower my SG at the same time which is why I am not salting it. Would this be considered at 5 gal change or a top off?

stanlalee · 12/03/2008, 06:57 PM

no, you didn't remove any waste or add any elements. all topping off does is replace pure water. there is no need to buffer your top off water either unless you are using limewater.

fasteddie99 · 12/03/2008, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by stanlalee
no, you didn't remove any waste or add any elements. all topping off does is replace pure water. there is no need to buffer your top off water either unless you are using limewater.

Ok cool. Makes sence. I buffered the top-off only because it was so much at once. I checked it and it was at 7.4 or lower. Didnt hurt though I guess. Thanks for the tip.

12/03/2008, 06:52 PM	#1
fasteddie99 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Delaware Posts: 1,028	Does a 5 gallon top-off consitute a small water change? I went on vacation for a week and had someone feeding the fish but was unable to top-off while I was gone. I am guessing that about 5 gallons of water evaporated, so I have 5 gallons circulating with ph 8.2 so I can top it off. I need to lower my SG at the same time which is why I am not salting it. Would this be considered at 5 gal change or a top off?

12/03/2008, 06:57 PM	#2
stanlalee Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: hampton roads, va Posts: 1,799	no, you didn't remove any waste or add any elements. all topping off does is replace pure water. there is no need to buffer your top off water either unless you are using limewater.