Do i need to do water changes?

[TheMan]

I was wondering if doing water changes is even necessary. I don't have a calc reactor but i'm planning on adding b-ionic for calcium supplementation. Should i change my water and how often?

 

[Anonymous]

i guess this is a debatable topic. it all depends on what biological and mechanical filtration you have in your reef, and how well it can keep up with the bioload.

the best rule of thumb i would give (and this is mostly drawing also from FW experience, since i am still noob in the salty department) is test your water and determine for yourself. keep a close eye on the PH, ammonia and NIT's ... see what they tell you.

my guess is that you will probably want to do water changes.

also ...
a good water change never hurt nothin' ... ALL your reef critters WILL thank you for it, especially if you do it regularly.

 

[Droggy]

Water changes are necessary, besides removing nutrients and other wastes, they also top up micro elements that animals require and we can`t test for to see depletion levels.10 % water change a week to a fortnight would be enough, as long as you maintain the regime.There are benefits to water changes...

 

[MHLTCOB]

there are 82 elements of the periodic table in saltwater. how else would you guarantee that these elements are being used up at the same rate that they are being replenished. Water changes are the only way to pull back your water to that of sea water. Nitrates are a thing of the past for most people but water changes are still as important as ever.

 

[NewMan]

cannot be sure on how many elements in saltwater, but i know changing water is a good practice & ethical behaviour of a marine aquarist.

IMHO, changing minimal amount of water do more good than harm. a fortnightly water change of 10%-15% will be good

 

[Anonymous]

I do it occasionally to replenish the elements in salt water. I keep a close eye on as many parameters as I can afford to test at least once every 2 weeks. I think 10 percent monthly is enough for me. I have not had any problems for the last 12 months. If I was keeping corals and anemones I would do it more frequently.

 

[-JB]

If you have a good amount of experience with keeping saltwater tanks. I would say it your choice, but would not recommend it. If you are inexperienced in any way I would say you need to do water changes.

 

[Anonymous]

Unless you have a specific reason not to do it (laziness is not a good reason, BTW..), get up and do a water change like most of us!

 

[WRASSER]

when needed, a water change is always good it helps replenish what your mechanics take out.



just do it :!:




wrasser 8)

 

[Anonymous]

Unless you have a specific reason not to do it (laziness is not a good reason, BTW..), get up and do a water change like most of us!

I hate getting up....do I really have to?

 

[Anonymous]

This is really two separate questions:

First - Are water changes beneficial?
You will find very few reefers that will say no.

Second - Are water changes essential?
Yes, to the extent that the reefer is unable to maintain NSW parameters by any other mechanism.

However, the question then becomes - Is it possible to maintain NSW parameters by any other mechanism? If so, then what are those mechanisms? Calcium reactors? Kalk? Mineral supplements?

Frankly, I do not know the answer to this question, and I have never seen this question answered definitively. In any event, it should not be an issue for most people because there really is no good reason not to do water changes. The possible exception is for people with very large systems where regular water changes, or large enough water changes, are impractical.

 

[WRASSER]

ghostofmilz,



nice way to break it down :wink:






wrasser 8)

 

[Anonymous]

I think they are beneficial as well. Even if you let it slip to bi-monthy, if your load isn't too high, would be sufficient. I ususally try and do a 25% WC every 6 weeks, or so.

Louey