AWC: How much?

[cb684]

I just set up my automatic water change and decided to go with about 1% / day (approximately 7% / week). That is a continuous 11 mL / minute for my 400 gallon system. I don't really have a reason for choosing 1% / day. Is just a round number close to the 10% / week I used to do.
I used this calculator to figure the 11 mL / minute: https://www.hamzasreef.com/Contents/Calculators/EffectiveWaterChange.php
How much do you believe is enough? And, do you have a reasoning for the chosen value?

 

[jason2459]

1% AWC daily here as well. Why? WWRHFD?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I also use 1% daily.

Depending on how you add it, it ends up being equivalent to about one 27% change once a month.

I show what can be accomplished (mathematically) with 1% daily here:

Water Changes in Reef Aquaria by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-10/rhf/index.php

 

[cb684]

Thanks Randy. Does it make a difference if a mix a batch for 2 weeks vs. 1 week? This water is stored in the garage (min 58C, max 89C) in a polyethylene tank.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thanks Randy. Does it make a difference if a mix a batch for 2 weeks vs. 1 week? This water is stored in the garage (min 58C, max 89C) in a polyethylene tank.

What brand salt mix?

 

[cb684]

Red Sea blue bucket.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

That should be fine stored. I store Instant Ocean for a month or more. The concern comes with storing those with organics such as vitamins in them (IMO).

I personally don't heat or stir mine while in waiting for water changes.

 

[cb684]

Thanks randy. Great, I think I am all set then. I keep a pump running in the container that allows me to mix it in the first place, but I understand it is not necessary.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You're welcome.

Happy Reefing.