All for Reef? No water changes?

[Drew1900]

So my 20 gallon LPS tank is 4 months old. I am currently using All for Reef too maintain major and minor elements along with dosing Chaeto Grow to give my chaeto the iron it needs. All my parameters are remaining stable including phosphate and nitrate(I actually have to dose nitrate). My filtration includes filter floss, brightwell xport block, carbon and refrugium. As I see it, I currently have no need for water changes. Would anyone suggest continuing water changes or is there no need for it currently?

Parameters
Salinity 35
Nitrate 5
Phosphate .08
Alk 7.7
Calcium 557
Magnesium 1490
PH 8.2

 

[Macbalacano]

Your mileage will vary for sure, but I'll just share my own experience. I skimped on water changes for several months over this past year and I definitely think it's one of the reasons I've had issues. Now I try to do one at least every 2-3 weeks and I'm getting much better results.

I also think since your tank is quite small in terms of total water volume, water quality is going to be more important. I'd say doing regular water changes will be the safer / trusted, tried, true path to success.

 

[nickmealey]

Water changes can offer a safety barrier in many cases. What I mean is, if something goes wrong and you didn’t know it, water changes tend to bring things back into equilibrium. I think it’s a good habit. Also it gives you a chance to siphon the sand.

 

[Reef.]

4 months is very early, you haven’t even started yet, I would not stop water changes now, you need to be ahead of the curve not behind it with a nano.

 

[rtparty]

If you want to back off water changes, make sure you are sending out ICP tests every 1-2 months. Triton or ATI preferred

 

[Drew1900]

Thanks for the input everyone! I’m glad I threw the question out there. I’ll probably keep doing 10% changes every week or two.