one gallon water changes

Uhm, i started a 1 gallon corner tank with 8 pygmie sunnies in it that get a mini bloodworm cube every other day (fed twice so far) and I am starting to worry that water may go bad fast due to the small tank size. How often should I change the water in it. (it has a bubbler in tube undergravel filter that came with the tank).

Is the tank planted at all? Densely planting the tank can drastically remove the need for water changes on a regular basis, especially if it's done in the Walstad/el natural fashion (with the added bonus of making your pygmies much happier). Even if you have planted the tank I would still recommend at least some infrequent water changes. Also what type of substrate are you using? If you're using basic aquarium gravel I would vacuum up the visible uneaten food and detritus in the gravel, then just refill the water to the top.

I would agree with Kurisuchan. Having a planted tank will allow you more time between water changes. In the mean time, I would change 50% of the water every other day to every three days. That should be enough to keep the tank clean.

For removing water from the tank, you could use a siphon hose with a discardable airstone jammed in the business end. That should prevent you from sucking up your tank inhabitants and any fry that they have. If you have a gallon container that you could keep near the tank, you would have a ready supply of water to re-fill the removed water. Just be sure to treat it if your municipality puts chloramines in the water.

Sorry to be so long-winded!

Brian

I did a water change today, sucked up alot of dead bloodworms, seems the pygmies may not be eating.

I did a water change today, sucked up alot of dead bloodworms, seems the pygmies may not be eating.

I'm not sure how small a 'mini' bloodworm cube is, but it's probably way too much for 8 pygmies at a single feeding.

If you have biofiltration and plants (java moss) AND you can figure out feeding so there isn't excess food in the tank, I think you can safely go at least 1-2 weeks between water changes. Pygmy sunfish really don't put out a ton of waste.

It could be worthwhile to raise your own live daphnia- a couple of quart containers kept on a windowsill should keep you supplied. The great advantage there is that they live (and even reproduce) in the tank until eaten, so you don't have to worry about decaying food. They also help keep the water clear of suspended bacteria and algae. Plus pygmies love 'em!

If the pygmies are not already adapted to frozen food it may take some time. Give them live food (fresh-hatched brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, zooplankton, etc until they are eating well, then train them to frozen food. Keep in mind adult males are territorial; you may need to split them up, one male per small tank.