My Malfunction???

[The Rockster]

Hi,

I use the Seachem suggested Dosing Schedule, for a couple years now., in my Discus, planted tank
Overall, the results have been fairly good with slight room for improvement.
Prior to this post,I have inquired before about my results.
Most of the time, the advice was that the dosing schedule was a general guideline.
I have tried increasing and decreasing different ferts, with little to no affect.
Most all water tests, were always good, with zero quantities of nitrates, ammonia, etc.
However, I just realized, that I have changed the dosing schedule, and I would like your opinion, and course of action pertaining to this.
When I purchased my Discus, we were told by the breeder, to do 50% weekly water changes or the largest we could manage.
Since I didn't like the idea of dumping tap water into my tank, and then dechlorinating with Prime, I purchased a used 30 gallon plastic barrel. I fill with it about 25 gallons of tap water, treat with Prime, siphon off 24 gallon into buckets and refill with the treated water.

Your Dosing Schedule stipulates a 5% Water Change on Day 7.

I am changing (72 gal=60gal net) 40% on Day 7.

What would the affects be?
Low fertilizer levels?
Algae?
Malnutrition of the plants?

In your opinion, what would be the proper dosing levels with this amount of water change?

[Tech Support DD]

Many people keeping Discus will perform a rather large water change on a weekly basis, as those fish are a more sensitive species. This is perfectly fine to do so when following our Dosing Chart from our website. The affects of performing such a large water change should not be detrimental to your plants. It should not result in low fertilizer levels, as your plants are probably utilizing the Flourish products fairly quickly anyway (therefore, the large water change should not matter). In my personal opinion, I would stick with the amounts given on the Dosing Chart; however, you can adjust it to meet the needs of your plants.