I know this is often discussed and everyone has their opinion. Seems some tanks do better with frequent changes even small daily amounts while other tanks can go without ever changing water. My first 8 months I did weekly 10g 15% changes. Now the last 5 months I have gone with 10g every 2 weeks. I will say that my tank has matured and is doing very well presently. I dose alk, cal and mag. I also dose Red Sea trace weekly. Chaeto is huge and green, corals and fish happy and numbers have stabilized pretty well.
I am considering going to monthly water changes now. Not because I'm lazy but I would like the ecosystem to balance itself out even more without my involvement. I see water changes as a means to replenish and balance certain areas of the tank which I am already doing now with dosing. My nitrate is holding well around 10 to 13. Phosphate bumps a little depending on how much coral food I add.
What would be the negatives to this approach? I know some will say if your tank is doing well then why change the schedule? I can agree with this however things seemed to improve when I went to biweekly changes versus weekly so I am wondering if monthly changes will allow the tank to handle its own chemistry and balance itself rather then my hand in the water. Would like to hear some thoughts especially from those who transitioned from weekly to monthly water changes....thanks
I am considering going to monthly water changes now. Not because I'm lazy but I would like the ecosystem to balance itself out even more without my involvement. I see water changes as a means to replenish and balance certain areas of the tank which I am already doing now with dosing. My nitrate is holding well around 10 to 13. Phosphate bumps a little depending on how much coral food I add.
What would be the negatives to this approach? I know some will say if your tank is doing well then why change the schedule? I can agree with this however things seemed to improve when I went to biweekly changes versus weekly so I am wondering if monthly changes will allow the tank to handle its own chemistry and balance itself rather then my hand in the water. Would like to hear some thoughts especially from those who transitioned from weekly to monthly water changes....thanks