Giant Water Changes - Good or Bad?

Having had the same 75 gallon reef tank for 21 years, I think consistent small water changes have resulted in the best consistent water parameters.
 
If your going to match things like cal, alk, mag etc, you may as well not do water changes at all. Why remove depleted water if your just going to replace it with depleted water? You'd be better off just adding the water you took out back to the tank to match those parameters.
Following that procedure, you may as well just throw on a few reactors to bring down the nitrates and phosphates and never worry about water changes ever again.
 
A big water change is more effective at nutrient export than a series of small ones, within reason. A 50 percent change will halve the unwanted material. Of course there is a problem of shocking the inhabitants. You need to match the salinity and temperature at the very least.
 

HOW MUCH DOES A FISH’S FEEDING REQUIREMENTS AFFECT YOUR STOCKING DECISIONS?

  • A lot! - I avoid fish that require frequent or specialized feeding

    Votes: 9 25.0%
  • Quite a bit, but an automatic feeder can change my answer

    Votes: 6 16.7%
  • It depends on whether my nutrient export can handle it

    Votes: 5 13.9%
  • It depends on how badly I want the fish

    Votes: 10 27.8%
  • Not much. I’m willing to adjust my routine

    Votes: 9 25.0%
  • Not at all. Feeding demands don’t limit my stocking choices

    Votes: 6 16.7%
  • I usually learn about the demanding feeding schedule after buying the fish!

    Votes: 2 5.6%
  • I haven’t really considered this before

    Votes: 3 8.3%
  • Something else (see my comments in the thread)

    Votes: 1 2.8%
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