What any reason to do WC, if..

[TOMMY323]

If I using a good RO/DI system for top-off water with 0 TDS reading,
Maintaining a level of major element like Calcium, Alk
Having a good job of NNR and reading PO4 and NO3 = 0.
No yellowish or we can use carbon to solve this problem.

However, I know that doing WC would be better in such case, but how frequently to do it? And I wonder that if I do a WC about 10~15% each per 1.5 month or 2 month. Is it too small for removing such element that excess or depleted? For such a lazy guy or what any reason like some of us, doing WC/4month or twice a year as some one in this hobby was doing it without any problem and in some case, still maintain a perfect water quality!

Any idea?

 

[Mikef1]

I dont reccomend not doing water changes for long periods like that. Also is this a reef tank? In my tank I do a 30% water change a month or I do small changes weekly, I find they both work well. You have to re-establish trace elliments in the tank. You will not get away without doing water changes in a sps tank.

 

[taikonaut]

I usually don't recommand people not doing water change. The RO/DI and all the other attribute only give you a good buffer zone for slight mistakes. They don't replace good old technique of WC.

 

[Carpentersreef]

Water changes will replace other elements that you may or may not be aware are being used up.

Mitch

 

[CAT]

Water changes also help to clear out other organics/chemicals we can't test for. I think l.r. and the sand absorb all kinds of things over time. Phosphate and nitrate test kits can only test what's in the water column, not what's bound up in the rock and sand. When I hear of a reefer with an established system 'suddenly' battling hair algae, cyano etc. I have to wonder if they were doing regular water changes.

 

[Anonymous]

Now that my tank is 3 years matured, and lightly stocked as far as fish go (3 fish in a 75G), I only do a 25 gallon WC about every 2 months or so.

If you have a heavier bioload you would have to do more frequent WC's in order to maintain pristine water conditions.

Louey

 

[Anonymous]

Dilution is the solution to pollution. A lower fish load and less frequent feedings can decrease the interval but you will still have untracable compunds build up in your water over the long term as well as trace elements being depleted.


I have about 300 gallons total system volume and do %10 (30 gallons) a month - takes me 30 minutes tops. It's also a good opportunity to siphon off detritus and gunk from your system.