RO/DI is finally fixed, how big a water change is OK?

[shrkbait]

So my RO/DI system has been broken for ages. I finally got a new housing and filters. I have been running good old tap. I would like to do a fairly aggressive water change, but am curious on people's thoughts. I normally do about 4 5-gallon buckets in my 72 gallon every 2 weeks. Best to keep on that regimen or up it for awhile for a quicker turnover with the clean water?

 

[stingythingy45]

Heck,i'd do a couple 20 gallon changes over the next few day.
But,that tap water is probably already effecting your tank.

 

[shrkbait]

The tap is through and through. I let the RO/DI stay broke for WAY too long. I just hear slow is better no matter what once you start getting lots of things in the tank. My only issue is cyano. Everything else _seems_ fine, but I will be happy knowing the tap water will eventually be worked out. I guess I will fill whatever buckets I have.

 

[youngreefer]

i have a 75g tank and over my spring break this week, I did 3 20g water changes, First on saturday, second on tuesday and the finaly one will be on saturday. helped clean my system out

 

[afboundguy]

Techincally you could do a 100% water change if the pH, alk, temp, calcium etc etc was exactly the same as the old water... Would I recommend that? No but it's possible IMO...

Heck,i'd do a couple 20 gallon changes over the next few day.
But,that tap water is probably already effecting your tank.

But this is the route I'd go if it were my tank. Maybe even do some 30's instead of 20. It's going to take a lot longer than a few weeks of water changes to get rid of the nutrients that have prob built up in your tank. I'd say a few months or weekly water changes is when you'd really start seeing a difference...

 

[cujo6984]

i would prolly bump it up to every week and 25 to 30 gallons

 

[Arthur1]

As the acanoholic said technically... match up your water parameters and go at it. The fish for me would personally play a role in the percentage of a water change ie a hippo tang. 20 gallons at a whack if there isn't a ton of live rock displacing water, 30 even. And as stated, it will take a few water changes as well to get things into order. Get out all the organics you can, since you're at it. In extreme cases I move around x amount of live rock (in steps) to remove the detritus that has accumulated over time.