Water Changes?

[maui]

Guy at LFS said that there was no need to do water changes because of tank evaporation. Seems like the water would evaporate not the toxins. What's everyone else's take on this?

 

[ags]

Never heard of toxins evaporating out of a tank. Probably is telling you this because by adding water lost to evaporation you are cleaning the water quality (even if ever so slightly). I suggest doing a 10% water change every week in addition to topping off water levels due to loss from evaporation. I am from Tampa what LFS told you that?

 

[kevin r.]

Not really sure what your LFS Guy is thinking, but as far as I know all that evaporates is the actual H20. By doing regular water changes, you replentish minerals and you're able to remove excess nitrates and other things that aren't good for the system. I do a 10-20% change a month and feel bad for not doing it more often.

 

[volitan]

Your lfs is wrong. When water evaporates everything but pure H2O stays in the tank including nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, and salt. As your tank water level goes down, the rest of the levels will go up (same levels, and less water = higher concentration). I think what he might have meant was that after time you don't have to do water changes just top it off. Alot of us are finding out that when your tank matures, your levels pretty much set themselves constant, and water changes are no longer necessary.

 

[madd catt]

Not quite true,reef central has a online mag called reefkeeping that deals with the suppliment questions.some minerals seem to increase over time.www.reefkeeping.com

 

[maui]

I go to the pet store on Bucsh. Discount Pet Mart I think is the name, I also go to Ideal Aquariums some, then I've been to the Tampa Bay Saltwater company a couple times (on Saturday).

 

[shootonsite]

maui,
The 'Guy' at your lfs is either dumb or brilliant. If you have a basic set-up, (fish only, reef with mechanical filtration or wet/dry) than you must do water changes to remove wastes and maintain water quality. If this guy is a 'pro', he's refering to NATURALLY matured systems that almost run themselves and never fall victim to old tank syndrome. Most reefers only dream about accomplishing this, but can't figure out how.
'The mob is easily lead.'

 

[maui]

Thanks for all the responses I thought the guy was a little off his rocker. I image I'm years away from having such a great system.

 

[shootonsite]

Don't think that way. It's a lot easier than you think. Research the different types of ecosystems filters and piece it together with knowledge of how the ocean system works. You'll be surprised with what you find out.