Water changes

[ianparky]

I have a 12g nano reef that i have been doing 4g water changes on every 2 weeks..been told its better to do it weekly.if i get a 5g container of salt water from the lfs and just use half.will the other half last a week as long as its kept heated and airated?

 

[Simply__J]

I do 20% (about 10 Gal) water changes weekly on my 55gal, although I live in Miami so I don't have the need to heat the water, I usually have 10 gal. laying around for about a week before I use it and it doesn't effect my tank negatively in any form.

 

[TarHeelReefer22]

yes the water will be fine and I wouldn't do more than 2.5 gallons a week

 

[ianparky]

Ive noticed after a week my ph level drops so will doing it weekly help ph to stay up?

 

[beaslbob]

FWIW If you tie the amount of water change to the interval between changes (1%/day IE 10% every ten days, 20% every 20 days, etc), the tank still winds up at the same conditions before any of the water changes. What does change is the amount after a water change.
You can easily store saltwater for a week IMHO.
But then I don't do water changes so what do I know. LOL
I do use macro algae to keep things in line. With ammonia/nitrates/co2/phosphates the macros do an excellent job.

My .02

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Ive noticed after a week my ph level drops so will doing it weekly help ph to stay up?

The pH effect, if it takes place over more than a day, is probably due to alkalinity depletion.

Are you monitoring alkalinity?

 

[ianparky]

No test kit ran out how can i bring my alk up?

 

[beaslbob]

No test kit ran out how can i bring my alk up?

Measure alk and use baking soda to keep it up.
review the diy two part system.
my.02

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Don't add alkalinity supplements without testing to see how much you need (if any). :)