Water change question

PescadoraNM · 03/19/2013, 06:42 PM

I'm fascinated by the issue of water changes. In my freshwater tanks I've always done them weekly. I've had a 75 gallon tank with sump and around 80lbs of LR set up for 8 weeks now. I've always have 0 nitrates. I finally did a small (14 gal) water change just because my calcium went to 400ppm. So, I'm wondering can one get away with "never" doing a water change (just saw an article where the person said he's gone over 3 years without a WC and the corals are doing great), if I dosed for calcium when needed? I'm wondering how often others do water changes? I have fish and both LPS and SPS in my tank. Thanks!

Misled · 03/19/2013, 06:53 PM

I've heard many talk about it. I wouldn't do it. There are many trace elements we don't test for that water changes replace. Not worth the cost of my system to even attempt it.

PescadoraNM · 03/19/2013, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misled

I've heard many talk about it. I wouldn't do it. There are many trace elements we don't test for that water changes replace. Not worth the cost of my system to even attempt it.

Ok, thank you. How often and how much water do you do with each water change?

Misled · 03/19/2013, 07:04 PM

Personally, I do 10% per week.

rtecanoe · 03/19/2013, 07:06 PM

Yes, water changes are important to replace the trace elements that you would not normally dose. I usally change about 10% of my water every 2 weeks which I think is considered on the low end of water changes

thegrun · 03/19/2013, 07:45 PM

10% weekly is a good number but many go 15% every other week.

tracyclifton · 03/19/2013, 08:17 PM

I've been doing 5% every week so far. Its early, about 7 months, but I have encountered zero problems. The Instant Ocean bucket recommends 20% every 2 weeks. But that might just sell more salt.

kidninja · 03/19/2013, 09:38 PM

i have a mixed reef 75g tank, i do 10 gallons every 2 weeks. growth is great no problems. tank in the sig

03/19/2013, 06:42 PM	#1
PescadoraNM Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 67	Water change question I'm fascinated by the issue of water changes. In my freshwater tanks I've always done them weekly. I've had a 75 gallon tank with sump and around 80lbs of LR set up for 8 weeks now. I've always have 0 nitrates. I finally did a small (14 gal) water change just because my calcium went to 400ppm. So, I'm wondering can one get away with "never" doing a water change (just saw an article where the person said he's gone over 3 years without a WC and the corals are doing great), if I dosed for calcium when needed? I'm wondering how often others do water changes? I have fish and both LPS and SPS in my tank. Thanks! __________________ I'm addicted to corals and fish. I just wish I was rich! Current Tank Info: Variety of LPS and SPS, PJ cardinals, Coral Beauty, clownfish, live rock, sump, crabs, cleaner shrimp etc

03/19/2013, 06:53 PM	#2
Misled RC Mod Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa Posts: 11,440 Blog Entries: 11	I've heard many talk about it. I wouldn't do it. There are many trace elements we don't test for that water changes replace. Not worth the cost of my system to even attempt it. __________________ Jesse I'm not saying I'm Batman. I'm just saying nobody has ever seen me and Batman in a room together.

03/19/2013, 07:04 PM	#4
Misled RC Mod Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa Posts: 11,440 Blog Entries: 11	Personally, I do 10% per week. __________________ Jesse I'm not saying I'm Batman. I'm just saying nobody has ever seen me and Batman in a room together.

03/19/2013, 07:06 PM	#5
rtecanoe Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oakdale, Long Island Posts: 512	Yes, water changes are important to replace the trace elements that you would not normally dose. I usally change about 10% of my water every 2 weeks which I think is considered on the low end of water changes __________________ Rick Current Tank Info: 180 gallon reef

03/19/2013, 08:17 PM	#7
tracyclifton Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 200	I've been doing 5% every week so far. Its early, about 7 months, but I have encountered zero problems. The Instant Ocean bucket recommends 20% every 2 weeks. But that might just sell more salt. __________________ Set up on August 20,2012. 180 gallon All Glass 72"x24"x24", drilled from the bottom with dual mega overflows, Current USA Orbit Marine LED, 3 T5HO, Bubble-Magus Curve 7, 35 gallon sump. Current Tank Info: 180 gallon

03/19/2013, 07:45 PM	#6
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	10% weekly is a good number but many go 15% every other week.

03/19/2013, 09:38 PM	#8
kidninja Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 341	i have a mixed reef 75g tank, i do 10 gallons every 2 weeks. growth is great no problems. tank in the sig __________________ My 75g Reef: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2131154