I put prime in the water about 6 moths before i used it and did about 7 25% water changes since then. other then no other chemicals where used to buff the ph or anything. I have really hardy fish in there and put a few plants in just as an early sign. I would have to say i have a pretty routine watering cycle of every two days. and between all of my plants,fish,aquriam plants, and evaporation I have to do about two to three gallons a week which is only about two percent a week but the tank stays stable. and the plants in the tank are striving.