I think it's always a shock when I say it but I keep SPS-dominant systems with no water changes.
My old 125-gallon system was maintained for almost 3 years with no water changes. Here's an old picture of the tank.
Video:
More currently, I updated to a 215-gallon tank and actually started a tank thread here on Reef2Reef on it.
http://reef2reef.com/threads/farmertys-215-gallon-sps-tank.207702/
FTS:
Recent Video:
Tanks are maintained with a large skimmer, CaRX, biopellets, GFO, and carbon. I dose aminos about 2x/week and feed my fish like there's no tomorrow. I don't use filter socks, vacuum the sand, or even vacuum out the sump ever.
I only mention the method I employ because to me, water changes become unnecessary once nutrient management and supplementation of trace elements have been achieved.
I consider myself a lazy reefer. Why do water changes at all if the two goals of water changes, nutrient reduction and replenishment of trace elements, can be achieved via other methods? Sure, I understand there are a myriad of elements that are not being replenished by the CaRX but whatever they may be, my old 125-gallon didn't require it for 3 years and my current 215-gallon hasn't required it yet either so far.
Am I delusional to think this might work forever? No, I feel like eventually there might be a trace element that will need to be added to the system... Something I can't test for and don't even realize the importance of until it is depleted... But until then, I'm pretty happy not doing water changes for a few more years. [emoji4]
I just wanted to mention for a fun topic of discussion and to also see who else out there has retired their water change buckets. [emoji41]
Happy reefing!
-Ty
My old 125-gallon system was maintained for almost 3 years with no water changes. Here's an old picture of the tank.
Video:
More currently, I updated to a 215-gallon tank and actually started a tank thread here on Reef2Reef on it.
http://reef2reef.com/threads/farmertys-215-gallon-sps-tank.207702/
FTS:
Recent Video:
Tanks are maintained with a large skimmer, CaRX, biopellets, GFO, and carbon. I dose aminos about 2x/week and feed my fish like there's no tomorrow. I don't use filter socks, vacuum the sand, or even vacuum out the sump ever.
I only mention the method I employ because to me, water changes become unnecessary once nutrient management and supplementation of trace elements have been achieved.
I consider myself a lazy reefer. Why do water changes at all if the two goals of water changes, nutrient reduction and replenishment of trace elements, can be achieved via other methods? Sure, I understand there are a myriad of elements that are not being replenished by the CaRX but whatever they may be, my old 125-gallon didn't require it for 3 years and my current 215-gallon hasn't required it yet either so far.
Am I delusional to think this might work forever? No, I feel like eventually there might be a trace element that will need to be added to the system... Something I can't test for and don't even realize the importance of until it is depleted... But until then, I'm pretty happy not doing water changes for a few more years. [emoji4]
I just wanted to mention for a fun topic of discussion and to also see who else out there has retired their water change buckets. [emoji41]
Happy reefing!
-Ty