Water Changes?

[dacia]

I have heard so much conflicting information about water changes that I am downright confused.
Some people say that you have to do regular water changes of 10-15%, and some people say that you have to do larger water changes. Some others say that you should only do water changes in emergency situations, others say all the time, others say not at all and to just do top-offs.
So, will someone please tell me what the right advice is? How often should you do a water change in a FOWLR tank, and how many gallons (percentage) should you change at one time? What are the advantages and disadvantages of water changes?

 

[poiboy]

I'm not sure if this is correct but I believe that 20% a month is the norm or 5% a week or 10% per two weeks. This is to help keep some levels in check and to replace the trace elements that are used up by reef inhabitants. Some dont do frequent water changes because they add trace elements straight into the tank.
I try not to add any supplements unless needed. Someone on this board said it's like giving the tank a breath of fresh air and I have to agree.

 

[birdy]

There are many different opinions on waterchanges, I usually do a 10% water change every two weeks because I have a hard time finding the time to do one every week. You just have to figure out what works for you and your tank. I would not ever recommend not doing regular water changes, it really just makes sense if you think about the ocean and how the currents are constantly bring new water in, that is kinda what a water change is like. Smaller more frequent water changes are better IMO.

 

[lesa]

I do a 10 to 20% water change once a month.

 

[wrassecal]

Dacia, you are probably going to get all the same conflicting answers you've already seen in your research. The thing is that you will have to figure out what you think is the best thing for you and your tank. What level of water changes are going to end up making you feel that you are doing the best for your tank. I don't keep a regular schedule for water changes, usually because of time constraints. There are a couple things that I would definately advise you to do when considering water changes. Make sure you use ro/di water and make sure you "age" the saltwater by mixing it to the the proper salinity of your tank, then aerate it for 24 hours or longer so that it has the proper ph. And make sure the temp is within 1 or 2 degrees if not right on with that of the tank. I don't recommend more than 20% water change at a time. HTH

 

[nm reef]

I personally maintain a schedule of monthly 5%-10% water changes along the same lines as wrassecal....if only to remove old water and replace with new.
My intent is to remove any potential accumulations of unwanted metals/minerals/toxins and replenish trace elements.
To me it just makes sense to remove/replace small amounts on a regular basis.

 

[thomas712]

Don't sweat it too much Dacia, you will be the expert on your system and after some experience you will be the best judge on how often to do a water change and how your system looks afterwards. You'll be able to tell.
Me - It all depends on how my tank is doing and when the last change was, I have done from 5% to 30% changes before, this would be like a 5% maintanence change to a 30% try to get things back in line change. The idea is just like NM was explaining, out with the bad in with the new.
Thomas

 

[nacl-man]

Originally posted by Thomas712
Don't sweat it too much Dacia, you will be the expert on your system and after some experience you will be the best judge on how often to do a water change and how your system looks afterwards. You'll be able to tell.

I agree. You'll find out what works best for your system. Everyone has a different setup (filters / skimmers / sumps / refuge / ect...) and each tank needs a different maintenance schedule.
IMHO water changes should always be included in the maintenance schedule... it's like replacing dirty polluted air with clean fresh mountian air! Or something like that... lol.
Cheers!

 

[dacia]

Thanks for your help. I was thinking along the lines of a 10% change each month, but I guess I will just test my water and see how it goes.
Now I see why everyone has different advice. Different tanks need different maintenance...now why didn't I think of that?