water changes

[SqueakyClean]

What is the recommened % of water changes in a reef, and how often?

[bderen]

I change about 20% every 6-8 weeks. Many will tell you to change about 10% every 2 weeks. It really depends on a lot of factors; Bio load mainly and whether you have an efficient skimmer and a fuge.

[stevem]

One of the responses I often get about water changes is I don't have to do water changes, because I have a good filter, or I get alot of evaporation. Neither are true.
First I don't care if you have 2 good filters water changes are a must. A filter can only take out so much of the waste, you still need to vacuum gravel, and replace water.
Second Evaporation does not take the place of water changes. when water evaporates only good clean water does all the bad stuff( fish waste, Phosphates etc) does not .So by only topping off, all the bad stuff stays, and some increase like phosphate. To sum up water changes are the most important thing to do in your tank, so don't overlook them.
Keep in mind with saltwater, salt does not evaporate so when topping off use only fresh water to replace.

[alazandv]

eh, water changes are overrated, I kid, I kid...


I'd say it depends on the bioload of your system and whether you have a refugium or not. Experts agree on 10% weekly but can be more to correct problems if such exist.

Remember, each system is different; if you have a lot of fish, more water changes will be required to keep everything happy.

[stevem]

I agree the amount of fish has a great impact on how often you do your water changes. Another factor is how heavy your hand is with the food. Remember fish always look hungry, but most are fine with a once a day feeding. I also skip a day about every week or two just to clean them out a little. When feeding I try to stick to this rule, if there is still food in the tank after abour a minute you fed to much. It is best to keep fish a little hungry then over feed.

[bderen]

It is best to keep fish a little hungry then over feed.


I honestly think that overfeeding is number 1 reason people have problems in salt water tanks. Many tend to be quick to blame it on tap water but seeing people feed their tanks makes me wanna :vommit:

[stevem]

without a doubt.

[fishtank1980]

Hello To All,

I do a 15%-20% water change every 7-10 days because my 46 bow mixed reef is over stocked with coral and fish...
Plus I have my entire sand bed covered with Acans which require 4 - 6 cubs of mysis shrimp twice a week alone...

http://i35.tinypic.com/2j49fv8.jpg

[xoomer]

Hello To All,

I do a 15%-20% water change every 7-10 days because my 46 bow mixed reef is over stocked with coral and fish...
Plus I have my entire sand bed covered with Acans which require 4 - 6 cubs of mysis shrimp twice a week alone...

http://i35.tinypic.com/2j49fv8.jpg


That is a lot of frozen food going in. :shock2:

[stevem]

the tank looks good, keep doing what you doing if it works.

[fishtank1980]

the tank looks good, keep doing what you doing if it works.


Thank You...:)

[rdebonis]

Hello To All,

I do a 15%-20% water change every 7-10 days because my 46 bow mixed reef is over stocked with coral and fish...
Plus I have my entire sand bed covered with Acans which require 4 - 6 cubs of mysis shrimp twice a week alone...

http://i35.tinypic.com/2j49fv8.jpg

Eddie,

Very impressive tank. I better not let my wife see it. If she does I'll have to add a Reef Tank to all the tanks I have to take care. :chuckle:

Keep up the good work.

Bob D

[Halfbeaks1]

I do about 1/2 the tank once a month on my 28 gal. Red Sea Max set up. I Love the tank, I have to upgrade my lighting!!

[xoomer]

^^^ That is a fairly large water change. In your relatively small tank do you expirience any swings in water parameters following a change?

[Halfbeaks1]

I know they are big changes but I never have had any problems so far (Tank has been set up for 3 years) actually the tank looks great about an hour or two after the change. I have the tank sparsely populated with a pair of small banggai cardinals and a few soft corals, zoanthus and about 50lbs of live rock. If had the time I would do 2- 30% water changes a month. I also use Chemi-Pure Elite which I change often. I think that it does a great job in keeping the water conditions stable. :crayfish:

[xoomer]

Great!

Chemi-Pure is indeed a good product but on a pricey side. I use it too but stick to recommended swap schedule of 6 months.