Water changes - 10% every week or 25% every month...?

[salty150]

How often does everyone do their water changes?

10% a week - or 25% a month, or...?

 

[Spare time]

I don't do water changes but its better to do smaller ones more frequently than larger ones spread apart. You replace elements in a manner that doesn't leave corals without them for a long time, you don't dramatically change the water chemistry, and its less stressful on the inhabitants.

 

[TX_Punisher]

10% weekly = more consistency if you can manage it.

 

[WIReefer]

I do about 7 % percent every Sunday

 

[Nick Steele]

I do 20-25% once a week. But my tank is newer and I will be over the next month or so going down to 20-25% every other week and see how my reef can handle it.

 

[SPR1968]

The 10% is a good general guide as it doesn’t upset the water parameters as stability is the key here.

But, you also have to fit it in with your own lifestyle and schedule of course.

 

[fish farmer]

15% every couple of weeks, but I have skipped a week or two since things are looking good.

 

[MichiganReefer]

I have been doing 30% every 3-4 months to maintain stability. Nitrates and phosphates stay near zero. Dosers keep my alk and calcium stable as well. I used to do them more frequently but haven't seen any adverse effects since changing to less frequent water changes.

 

[chipmunkofdoom2]

A 10% weekly water change will change out roughly 35% of the aquarium's total water volume after four weeks. So the two are roughly equivalent. I would opt for the 10% weekly change. They're easier to do because they're smaller and provide more gradual changes over time as opposed to one large change once a month.

 

[Viking_Reefing]

Smaller and more frequent water changes is the way to go if you're only interested in what is the optimal way to do it and don’t factor in convenience.

I will be implementing AWCs to my coming build to get the best of both worlds.

 

[Ezraff]

I don't do water changes but its better to do smaller ones more frequently than larger ones spread apart. You replace elements in a manner that doesn't leave corals without them for a long time, you don't dramatically change the water chemistry, and its less stressful on the inhabitants.

Could you explain what a water change is?

 

[Spare time]

Could you explain what a water change is?

A water change is simply removing water from the tank and replacing it with new saltwater.