what's better? Topic: Water Changes

[MarvinsReef]

let's say, the tank is 120g standard mixed reef.

what's better? and why?

- doing smaller volume (10%-15%) water changes more frequently (every 1-2 weeks)

OR

- doing larger volume (30%-40%) water changes but not as frequent (every 1-2 months)

 

[Michael7979]

I will always say doing smaller changes more often is better. More stability in the tank parameters.

 

[m and m]

I would say small ones more ofter, less of a shock to the coral. lets say if you do have some PO4 or other things in the water your bringing them out slower, now large its all at one time and leaves them more time to build up.

This is all in the assumption your WC water matches your tank water perfect IE alk/cal/mag

 

[FishLipz]

Im a smaller more often kid of guy.

 

[Harry_Y]

Get in to a weekly routine

On Saturday I do a water change, Fill my RODI Container (and refill my SW barrel)
Add Kalk to My reactor Clean my Scrubber (or skimmer), and do a quick cleanup.

If you get into a routine you can do it quickly and it is a lot easier.

Also If you do large quantity water changes (I do 25 Gal changes) it may
make it a lot easier to plump in a couple of pumps, I use MaxiJet 1200s,
to pump out the old waste water and pump inthe New SW.

If it is easy and less mess you are more apt to do them regularly.

BTW the one thing I found that drastically improved my tanks appearance was
water changes. Plus you will spend less on dosing. The only thing I dose is Kalk,
Everything else comes in with the new water.

 

[Troylee]

skipping them all together is the most stable...;) it seems the only time i change water is when im upgrading tanks anymore lol.... i know a few poeple who havent changed there water in 5+ years fwiw...... i love breaking rulz!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mizzoumed02]

I'm all about the smaller, once a week water change, I believe it helps keep your system more stable and keep your parameters in line better.

 

[DrTrey]

Smaller more frequent water changes, at least once a fortnight, is best in terms of stability.

 

[gparr]

smaller, more often

 

[benny z]

so far on my nano i've been doing large weekly. ~ 40% , but the tank has no skimmer. also, 40% is only ~10 gallons.

 

[MarvinsReef]

good deal guys. personally, I've been doing 10% w/c every week. corals have been enjoying it. I can see them perking up a bit more and the SPS have actually started to show some signs of growth. it's amazing what happens when you take care of your tank. ;)

 

[Sea MunnKey]

I try to break down the water changes to twice a week of 5 gallon each time for my 90 gallon. Been on the SeaChem Aquavitro Salt since Christmas and so far it looks promising ... SPS are reacting positively with full polyps extension.

Paul

 

[Harry_Y]

good deal guys. personally, I've been doing 10% w/c every week. corals have been enjoying it. I can see them perking up a bit more and the SPS have actually started to show some signs of growth. it's amazing what happens when you take care of your tank. ;)

Indeed, I slacked off on mine, only doing them monthly or so, things
looked OK and my parameters were still good so I thought all was OK.

But then I started being diligant in my water changes again and all of a sudden
everything took off the colors got better, and even the growth took off.

So Yes while thinks Look OK, and you can get away with not doing water changes,
I would not suggest it, Compaired to the prices of the corals Salt is cheap.

 

[Mantis]

I prefer the smaller water changes... I do a 1 gallon change everynight on my 55, 1/2g on my 34... Corals are loving it. Notice a differnce within the first two days... Takes 5 min at the most...

 

[MarvinsReef]

Indeed, I slacked off on mine, only doing them monthly or so, things
looked OK and my parameters were still good so I thought all was OK.

But then I started being diligant in my water changes again and all of a sudden
everything took off the colors got better, and even the growth took off.

So Yes while thinks Look OK, and you can get away with not doing water changes,
I would not suggest it, Compaired to the prices of the corals Salt is cheap.

I'm just hoping that by summer time, I'll get the routine down so it won't seem like a chore anymore. it's been about a month since I started this and when I view my tank, I'm liking it even more. my corals were also okay when I was doing w/c every 6-8 weeks but also taking off. :)

 

[akabryanhall]

I do 10 percent once a month, I think with water changes, less is more. Trust in your filtration if you dare, I think you might be surprised at how efficient it really is, and I aint talking about the skimmer;)

 

[Troylee]

Reason being is your missing essentials.... The cal/alk etc read good but trace and essential elements are missing... If you dose them you will see the same results as doing frequent wc. It's all about your flavor there's a million ways like we all know and some work for me that won't work for you or vise versa... It's the joy of learning...;)

Indeed, I slacked off on mine, only doing them monthly or so, things
looked OK and my parameters were still good so I thought all was OK.

But then I started being diligant in my water changes again and all of a sudden
everything took off the colors got better, and even the growth took off.

So Yes while thinks Look OK, and you can get away with not doing water changes,
I would not suggest it, Compaired to the prices of the corals Salt is cheap.

 

[opaka]

I do weekly 25-30% water changes, colors and growth are amazing!