Top 20 Water Change Mistakes you'll regret later!

[randyBRS]

We've all done water changes at some point in our reefing journey and undoubtedly we've all made some mistakes.

Today Ryan and Randy share their Top 20 Water Change Mistakes so that you can avoid some of your own in the future!

 

[Bryn]

What a tease, have to wait three hours... Is this a bait and switch ;Woot

 

[lacrosseboss18]

What a tease, have to wait three hours... Is this a bait and switch ;Woot

Haha same thing just happened to me. “WHAT THE, why isn’t it playing?” Thought I would listen to it while heading to a buddies house to plumb his tank.

 

[dson78]

What model Python gravel washer/water changer is that one, I have been looking for one with a smaller diameter gravel tube. Can you post this link here?

 

[Bulk Reef Supply]

@dson78 Is this the one you're looking for?

1" Pro-Clean Gravel Wash

Why does BRS recommend this? Water changes are a top key to success in the hobby. Having equipment that makes water changes easier is the key to doing the water changes your tank needs on a regular basis. With high quality fittings at a very affordable price the Python water change systems will...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[Cunning_plan]

Thanks, despite how important and talked about these are it's rare to actually get actionable adviced on these.

Question - what do people typically use to mix water changes. Do you all have a spare powerhead and heater just for this or is there simpler, cheaper tools?

 

[dson78]

Thanks, despite how important and talked about these are it's rare to actually get actionable adviced on these.

Question - what do people typically use to mix water changes. Do you all have a spare powerhead and heater just for this or is there simpler, cheaper tools?

I use a Maxi-Jet 1200, before that i used a Hydor Koralia Powerhead and an Eheim Heater.

 

[dson78]

@dson78 Is this the one you're looking for?

1" Pro-Clean Gravel Wash

Why does BRS recommend this? Water changes are a top key to success in the hobby. Having equipment that makes water changes easier is the key to doing the water changes your tank needs on a regular basis. With high quality fittings at a very affordable price the Python water change systems will...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Will the Switch 13c and adapters work with these so i can control the flow?

 

[AKReef]

@dson78 Is this the one you're looking for?

1" Pro-Clean Gravel Wash

Why does BRS recommend this? Water changes are a top key to success in the hobby. Having equipment that makes water changes easier is the key to doing the water changes your tank needs on a regular basis. With high quality fittings at a very affordable price the Python water change systems will...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

I came here to ask this same question. I always wish I had a smaller diameter tube every time I do water change. I didn't realize these existed. Thanks!

 

[WvAquatics]

Thanks, despite how important and talked about these are it's rare to actually get actionable adviced on these.

Question - what do people typically use to mix water changes. Do you all have a spare powerhead and heater just for this or is there simpler, cheaper tools?

I use a vivasun 800gph return pump. Just turn on high and use the hose to mix salt that settles. Think it cost 30$ I have spare heaters.

 

[WvAquatics]

800GPH Submersible Pump(3000L/H, 24W), Ultra Quiet Water Pump with 10ft | eBay

Max Flow Rate: 800 GPH (3000L/H), Max Lift height: up to 10 Feet. -Check the inlet screen to ensure it is not clogged. 【Optional Outlet Positions】Place the pump flat on its base, and you can get many positions.

www.ebay.com

This here but Amazon free shipping.

 

[AKReef]

@Bulk Reef Supply What's the little water jet that you guys use to clean the rocks off in the video?

 

[User1]

1. No water changes or minimal - attrition - that was very well put and I tend to agree. Those that do well in the environment are set. Those that don't, well, they are weeded out. Good way to look at it.

2. Ratio - good way of explaining. I think this is often overlooked by new hobbyists.

3. Other water change solutions - chemicals. Not a fan of chemicals but I understand why you noted it. Just saw a thread today that a new hobbyist, maybe 6 - 8 week old tank, concerned with high nitrates and wanted to right away start dosing NoPox. I think sometimes they can be looked at too quick but understand why you noted it.

4. No Spill / python - GUILTY . I make such a huge mess... Looking to find a 100 - 150 foot hose and I'd probably go that route.

5. Syphon - GUILTY . Poopy mouth !!!

6. Gravel wash - good idea. Also guilty. My issue is that I don't want to remove the fauna, worms, etc. Haven't found a way around this but think it is very necessary in the long run.

7. Not using a submersible pumps - use those but to buckets. Well said - if you can make it easy, we will do it.

8. Storage - often over looked the maintenance side of it - good segment. Great actually.

9. Not mixing your salt overnight - your video covered that and was a great topic. Hopefully everyone references it to include the storage - #10 below also

10. Storage - back to your previous video - everyone should watch that - another great job!

11. Not using a sediment filter - guilty. Never really thought about it. Nice tip. In fact I use NSW from time to time and this would be a great add on.

12. Hose reel - great idea but I think most of us are trying to figure out what hose to use with it. Would be a great video. Hose price, well, is the bummer so maybe something you guys can discuss. $80 bucks? I'll buy one tomorrow

13. Large water change - matching parameters. This is also interesting to cover. I think this may be one thing that melted one of my soft corals by not matching. Well said explaining 10% vs 25%.

14. Not vacuum sandbed - needed and guilty. I do think this is necessary and great coverage or segment on it. I'm back in that camp though that says if I do this I run the risk of syphoning out worms and other live things. I tried once using a filter sock but it didn't work well.

15. Algae removal - often overlook for hair algae or other types. Nice segment.

16. Coral exposure - great segment and often overlooked. I do think this should be factored in with the design of the tank. Great segment!

17. Heater - guilty. Probably most of us had this happen at least once but make sure - 2nd, 3rd, 4th to turn off before water change !!!!

18. Turning off skimmer - not happened but can be a problem. Nice segment to include the topic on controller

19. Turkey baster or rock cleaning - I guess either will work depends if sock, no sock, filter pads, etc. Important though. Good segment.

20. Auto water change - love the idea and say all hobbyist should put in their design. I say design because depending on tank location this can be a challenge if you want to be neat. I've not figured the "neat" part out but would love to implement this.

Good video. Actually, scratch that. Great video and job. I think a few of us have had a couple of these happen. Also provided some good insight on things to consider, why you would do it, recommend it, etc. Not pushing products just stating some things to consider or what to watch out for.

Great job! Have an amazing day. Oh - if you want to frag a small piece of both the green and purple sinularia (I believe that is what it is) and send it my way I wouldn't stop you

 

[randyBRS]

@Bulk Reef Supply What's the little water jet that you guys use to clean the rocks off in the video?

That is a Neptune PMUP that Ryan rigged up.

 

[Archibald J McLauchlin]

 

[AKReef]

That is a Neptune PMUP that Ryan rigged up.

That makes more sense now. I couldn't quite make out what you guys were calling it Thanks!