IME I used the same filtration methods as you, minus the water changes over a 4 year period. When I moved I had to tear down that tank. It was filled with large SPS and some LPS corals that had grown from frags. I did not use GFO continuously and at times I did have to dose nitrate and phosphate since they would bottom out. I also prefer Vodka to vinegar. So some differences, but we employed many of the same methods.It’s certainly fair to have the opinion that if a filter method is not going to get you all the way to your goal, that it is not effective. I just do not share it.
In reefkeeping, we often use several methods at once, partly because none is perfect and they can complement each other in our attainment of many simultaneous goals.
In my reef system I used macroalgae growth in a refugium at night, large rock filled refugia, skimming, vinegar dosing, GAC, water changes by AWC, and GFO.
All of those, except perhaps the GFO, tend to lower nitrate. My final nitrate value was determined by all of them (plus ordinary organism consumption and food inputs).
Does it make them ineffective because none by themselves would have attained my goal?
IME if we remove the water changes from what you were doing for filtration, you can still have great results in a reef tank. That experience while anecdotal, is shared by thousands of reefers today who practice things like the Triton method or Moonshiner methods.
It is true we don't know what effect the DOM's or POM's had on my system, that is an unknown; but as far as I know it is also unknown how long it takes for DOM levels to rise to a high enough density to cause problems. I know at the time you publishes the article on DOM's that time tables were undetermined. Has that changed since publication? You mentioned Boston MACNA, that was a long time ago. Hopefully we know more? It would be interesting to read.
What makes the water change ineffective as a filter in my beliefs/experience is that if we remove one of the eight methods of filtration you and I used, that hundreds, if not thousands of reefers have reported their tanks do better. Sure there are other factors, mostly the use of ICP tests and hobbyists ability and knowledge to dose specific elements because of that testing; but the tanks still do great without the water changes.
I don't expect we are going to get much farther in this conversation so I will respectfully bow out, but I do want to thank you for having it with me; and sharing the articles you have written. I have learned a lot; and I do and have always appreciated your time.