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**stevem** · May 1st, 2009, 05:39 PM

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.

May 1st, 2009, 05:39 PM	#3
stevem Super Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Brooklyn Posts: 687 Rep Power: 34	water changes 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.