stop water changes

[jmpowie]

I have a 75 gal reef tank and it was covered with hair algea for a year. I did 15-20% water changes every week and I would have to take out my live rock and scrab it off every few weeks. Now I have no algea I went to the super market bought 12 cherry stone clams (cleaner clams in pet stores) I have not done a water change in a month (just add water) I am feeding more food to my fish just to push the limits of the clams. My corals are growing very fast and look the best they have.
For 4 bucks I made my tank fun to have again.

 

[promisetbg]

So if you do no water changes how are you going to replace the necessary elements needed by the corals and tank inhabitants? Just adding top off water will not do. There are much needed and various elements that are taken in daily by your corals. Water changes replaces these vital elements. Calcium,Alkalinity,magnesium and other trace elements are all necessary for coral health. If you are only adding water I am afraid these levels are going to be too low.

 

[dea_mt]

what about additives. i don't think filtered water comes ready with magnesium and calcium among other things. you have to add it.

 

[reefreak29]

if your happy with the results good for u keep it up

 

[dea_mt]

i would still do a small water change every once and a while though.

 

[cool06]

Ty

 

[fallnhorse]

how are you going to get rid of the acculative phosphates that slow enter your system? How are you going to get rid of the nitrates? Even clam will poop and contribute from eating the algae. Your just converting it twice over.

 

[dogstar]

I am happy for you that you have cleared your tank of the algae that many people struggle to do also. However and because I dont know your system or how and what it is maintained with, Im not saying that you are doing anything wrong by not doing a water change in a month ( because many hobbiest do them less often as well as not at all ) BUT, one month is not long enough to claim success with anything in this hobby IMO so keep us posted.

 

[fallnhorse]

Originally Posted by Dogstar
I am happy for you that you have cleared your tank of the algae that many people struggle to do also. However and because I dont know your system or how and what it is maintained with, Im not saying that you are doing anything wrong by not doing a water change in a month ( because many hobbiest do them less often as well as not at all ) BUT, one month is not long enough to claim success with anything in this hobby IMO so keep us posted.

Amen.

 

[fishieness]

i agree. one month isnt longenough to tell.
but if this is true. that not doing water changes has made your tank better then either you are using a bad salt or your water is not properly filtered.

 

[jmpowie]

I still have not done a water change in 5 months and my tank has never looked better!!!!!!! No hair alge, water is nice and clear, corals look great and growing. I owe it to 5.00 worth of little neck clams.

 

[fallnhorse]

what is your readings of your tank?

 

[emmitt]

Originally Posted by fallnhorse
what is your readings of your tank?
I'll take a wild guess, he'll say "all readings are perfect"

p.s- How did 1 month on March 12 turn into 5 months on may 15?? :notsure:

 

[fallnhorse]

tu-shay(sp)

Between the time paradox and perfect reading....that's the laugh i needed. ***)

 

[jmpowie]

Jan to may is not 5 months? Do you do your readings on your tank? count with me 12345

 

[promisetbg]

I was just about to quote your post, and you deleted it. Not a very friendly way to have a discussion. If it works for you then that is good...I still hold that you are making a grave mistake.

 

[crazyreefnut]

I will be making a quick trip to the grocery store. I have been doing this for some time now and I have used them before and they slipped my mine I have had great success in fact they spawn in the tank so beware.......

 

[snowman]

What are cherry clams?? I am from Utah and have not heard of them. What is there purpose and how did that help hair alage. Thanks The Snowman!

 

[phixer]

Great to hear that your tank is doing so well without water changes. There is a product that eliminates water changes, scrapes algae and repletishes evaporation simply by pouring it into your tank its called...snake oil.

 

[fishfryer]

well i got 3 clams and put them in my tank, i could never get my nitrates below 40 ,but in one week and they are at 10...and this is always doing water changes q2weeks.so the clams work :happyfish