Water Changes?

[gwh57]

I presently change out 1% of my total water volume on a daily basis. This is accomplished by using an automated system that draws out sump water and replaces it with fresh salt mix. I also replace about 1.5% daily due to evaporation and skimming. This is replaced by my ATO system. I have been using this system for about six months and it has worked well for me. I do no other large water changes. I had previously read research that shows this method is as valid as any other water change routines. This method also keeps the balance in my water parameters by not having any change in the waters PH, Temp etc. I have read many, many post concerning the need for 5% weekly, 10% weekly, 20% monthly and numerous other reported water change amounts and schedules.
Other that personal opinion, does anyone have any actual test results or research articles that provide evidence of the best method and schedules for water changes. I am not concerned about water changes that some people make to correct water chemistry problems. I am talking about water quality in a well established balanced tank. :thinking:

 

[acrylic51]

I think your method or thinking is correct......I've read this as well, and have thought many times about imploying this idea.....

 

[gwh57]

Thanks, it just makes everything so easy and stable. First my ATO then my AWC (automated water change) now all I do is feed. Oh, I do still clean the glass. Now I need to make a good AF (feeder).

 

[bonebrake]

Changing 1% per day is nearly equivalent to changing 7% every week, 15% twice a month or 30% per month on a nutrient export level.
The advantage of doing it more frequently are keeping more stable and consistent water parameters.
:joy:

 

[gwh57]

Yes, and it is automated too. I used to spend Sunday afternoon mixing water, cleaning and measuring levels. I now mix 20g of salt and 20g of lime water and the rest is left to timers, pumps, and float switches.

 

[bonebrake]

Do you ever stir up detritus in the tank and try to suck some of the gunk out? Or do you have a good filter of some sort that you change regularly? That would be my only concern in a automated system like that.
:notsure:

 

[gwh57]

I use sock filters that I change regularly. I have a sump with macro algae and a bioball filter too. If the bioball system gets too dirty then I will clean it. I do also wash the bioballs off every so often to keep my nitrates at zero.

 

[dejaco]

Question lime water = kalkwasser? If so the reading I am doing says once mixed it needs to be dripped in just a few days as it settles out. Is this wrong? If it is I wouldn't mind trying your method.

 

[teen]

Originally Posted by DeJaCo
Question lime water = kalkwasser? If so the reading I am doing says once mixed it needs to be dripped in just a few days as it settles out. Is this wrong? If it is I wouldn't mind trying your method.
i mix my kalk powder with tank water and dump it in my sump. i used to drip, but its a lot easier to do it this way. i dont reccomend it for first time users though. you should know how much kalk your system uses on a daily-weekly basis. its very important not to overdose.
to the thread starter, ive heard filter socks do more harm than good. if its working for you, thats cool, ive just heard that when debris gets caught in a filter sock, the debris breaks down a lot faster because of the high flow/ oxygen, thus releasing nutrients into the water more rapidly.
and i only do water changes when i notice my tank isnt looking good, or i notice theres a lot of detritus in my sump. the corals tell me when their happy, and when their not.

 

[poniegirl]

I think I'm going to cry..can we see a picture of your tank?

I bet it's a beaut!
I would think the consistant care is a great thing. We have all thought about dilution (or lack of it) and think about the %..

 

[gwh57]

Originally Posted by DeJaCo
Question lime water = kalkwasser? If so the reading I am doing says once mixed it needs to be dripped in just a few days as it settles out. Is this wrong? If it is I wouldn't mind trying your method.
Limewater/Kalk should be good for extended amounts of time. I use mine over a 3 week period. I know people who mix theirs and use it from a covered unstirred container for two months or longer.

 

[gsxr1100]

Filter socks will help. I dislike it when people say filter socks do more harm. Then it is bioballs are bad. Or ozone is bad...my god people.
go on reefcentral Randy covered this topic many times.