Something to talk about ( water changes )

[05grandprix]

I know this probably been answered before but I can't find it.

What's everyone's opinions on water changes and how often?
I've been using reef crystal salt and now changed to seachem salinity now that I've got my own RO/DI unit. What's the best way to start switching from one to the other. I've started with a 28 gallon water change in my Red Sea max 250. And I'm wondering if by doing a 14 gallon water change weekly what my benefits will be to my tank and coral.

The corals in the tank are frogspawn, burbinki acan, other acans, hairy mushrooms, merlittie blastos, superman chalice, several different Zoe's, several other chalice, Duncan's, long tentical plate, and gsp

 

[Gauge]

I would just change the new salt with your normal water changes, it will all get swapped over time.

I personally do water changes every 2 weeks. I do about 15-20% in my 14 gallon biocube (I could probably go longer though).

The only reason to do more frequent water changes would be to correct abnormalities in your nitrate/phosphate levels. My 90 gallon had the nitrates and phosphates shoot up after I got it (from stirring up the sand I'm sure), so I have done closer to about 30% water changes every week.

 

[dzones]

10% per week has been my theory for a couple reasons but it can depend on a few things as well.
1) Easy to remember - I would set aside a specific day/time to do it. Like Sunday evening after supper or whatever. I found when I was doing monthly changes I would lose track of how many weeks and would sometimes go 5 weeks because of it.
2) Easier to do - changing out 5 gallons a week instead of 20 at once is MUCH easier. When something becomes more of time sink it can be easier to procrastinate.

Some of the things to consider when calculating the water change needs of a tank is how much filtration you have compared to bio load. What type of corals and the nutrient needs of them. (I.E. - SPS would require a very low nutrient and more pristine water compared to zoanthids and mushrooms that are a high nutrient coral).
Finding the balance that works with your tank and its inhabitants is the key.

 

[05grandprix]

I agree Dzones like the idea of once a week little change vs once month lg change

 

[glb]

10% once a week is much easier IMO.


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12g Nanoreef. Zooanthids, Ricordia, Star Polyps, Acans and two clownfish. CF Lighting, 75% actinic blue, 25% 10,000k white.

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

I do a water change every two weeks,10 gallons on a 75.

 

[scubadiva]

I have a 30 gal and do a monthly 8 gal water change.

 

[Sassy Jenny]

lol...I have a five gallon and I change water every other day! Only about 10%. Gotta love the small tanks!