Water changes

[muggle0981]

I know this is debatable


My lfs closed so now i need to find another store-or start making my own water and figure that out


My tank is 180g-i do 30g water changes every other week-another thread im in said im wasting my time-not enough volume change-

Some say stop doing water changes

Tank of softies and lps are fine

Paramters usually

Nitrate 12-15
Phosphate .12-.18
Calcium 450
Alk 8
Magneisum 1400
Thoughts on water changes-similar size aquarium doing them if so how much and how often


Havent changed much becasue tank gas always been fine-and also love supporting my lfs when i have one so it was fine paying for water but now its back to the closest store 35 min away

 

[Catawba_Valley_Reef]

I wouldn’t recommend completely stopping water changes. The volume that you do depends on what you are trying to achieve. If you are trying to bring down no3, then a larger volume would be better. Water changes replenish trace elements and help rid the tank of DOCs.

Your params look good so I would keep doing what you have been doing. Could probably push the water changes to once per month if you wanted.

I would probably invest in an ro/di unit if you don’t feel like making the 35 min drive….although a 35 min drive doesn’t seem that long to me. I would just get tired of hauling buckets.

 

[JumboShrimp]

On the one hand, I'd say, "If it isn't broken, don't fix it." Then again, look at all the RO/DI fun you are missing out on, right there at home.

 

[X-37B]

After many years I now do 5% a month on 4 systems. A 150, 50, 35, and a 15g system. About 250 g's so I only have to make 12g's a month.
My 150 is 1 year old.

 

[bobnicaragua]

With a 180 gallon, you really need a RODI.