Suggested water change frequency

[Bob Sterling]

I am thinking about converting my 40 gallon Hex to a reef. Currently it is a new set up with fresh live rock and it is still cycling. I paid a visit to a local aquarium store and they are considered reef specialists. I asked their opinion and he told me to change at least 20% of the water WEEKLY. I am a newbie to reef tanks, so I didn't challenge the guy. That sounds like a lot to me and that would probably be enough to steer me in a different direction with this tank if it is true. Anybody have any smaller reef tanks here (50 gallons or less)? What is your water change schedule? Thanks.

 

[beaslbob]

1) lookup diy 2 part
2) use a refufium or algae turf scrubber to balance out and stabilize the system.

3) suggested water change schedule with above: none. Just top off evaporative losses.

my .02

 

[Bob Sterling]

1) lookup diy 2 part
2) use a refufium or algae turf scrubber to balance out and stabilize the system.

3) suggested water change schedule with above: none. Just top off evaporative losses.

my .02

Thanks! I will check out the DIY system.

 

[deejeff0442]

I do 10 percent every 2 or 3 weeks. No matter what size tank I have had.

 

[lmforbis]

I do 20% every 7-10 days.

 

[florida joe]

I think it is of importance for the new hobbyist to research exactly why we do water changes. there are actually systems set up for years with out water changes

 

[deejeff0442]

If I had a fish only tank and a skimmer I would next to never do a water change. My reef needs replenished food from the changes. After I do a water change my corals blow up.

 

[florida joe]

As you know my old friend water changes help maintain alkalinity and calcium and PH much needed for coral growth. But this can also be accomplish without water changes via calcium reactor or kalkwasser dosing

 

[deejeff0442]

Lol yea 500 bucks for a calcium reactor. I will stick to my 10 dollar water changes.
You still have that mantis? I would love to get another one someday

 

[florida joe]

No sadly Lola died I think it may have been a lack of iodine they are something special are they not.

 

[bang guy]

I've always suggested doing water changes on the schedule and amount that you are most comfortable with. Not being coy it's just that if water changes are inconvenient or a big chore they will get skipped. When I had a 55 I just did 5 gallons a week. For me, it was easy to dump out 5 gallons from the sump, pour in the 5 gallon bucket, then mix up another five gallons to use next week.

 

[lmforbis]

I think that is why I do the 25% changes. I have a system set up to pump water from a 35 gallon container in the basement directly to the tank and I drain the old water into the bath tub drain. It takes me half an hour at most to do it all. Then I have the RO plumbed into the 35 gal container with a Float valve (I also have ball valves as a back up). It fills back up over the next day and I add salt. All is ready to go for the next time with minimal work. No buckets to fill or empty. When I used buckets I did much less volume less frequently.

 

[beaslbob]

I think it is of importance for the new hobbyist to research exactly why we do water changes. there are actually systems set up for years with out water changes

reminded me of an old thread many years ago:
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/index.php?threads/beaslbobs-water-change-analysis.369985/#post-3184504

 

[Bob Sterling]

All great responses. Much appreciated!

 

[florida joe]

God beaslbob dont you just miss the good old days. what do these young whipper snappers know about a good old drag out aquarium fight

 

[beaslbob]

God beaslbob dont you just miss the good old days. what do these young whipper snappers know about a good old drag out aquarium fight

yeppers.

Or getting banned from numerous message boards.