Do u really need to do a water change ??

[Mil26]

I'm asking this question mainly because I wanted to know if u don't do a water change what can happen long term ? I haven't done a water change in 5months and this is how my tank looks anemones are thriving and sea star is doing great ! Parameters are PH: 8.4, SG:1.025, Ammonia:0, NO2:0, NO3:5, PO4:0.08,dKH:6.2,Ca :440,Mg:1180 Temp:78-82 depending on season

 

[Mil26]

I have another anemone but cut off on top lol

 

[awais98]

It's assumed that the trace elements are usually depleted.
How do you maintain Ca and dKh?
Are you planning on corals too?
Your dKh is a little on the lower side.

 

[awais98]

Having said that, I know atleast 1 person FarmerTy who has a gorgeous sps dominant tank with no water change.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Having said that, I know atleast 1 person FarmerTy who has a gorgeous sps dominant tank with no water change.

Yes, but he doses all trace minerals I belive. Similar to dutch synthetic reefing.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

It is clear that you do not "need" to do water changes to have a nice reef tank.

What is much less apparent is if those same systems without water changes would be improved by them, or if maintaining them would be easier or less expensive doing water changes.

 

[ksfulk]

I'm asking this question mainly because I wanted to know if u don't do a water change what can happen long term ? I haven't done a water change in 5months and this is how my tank looks anemones are thriving and sea star is doing great ! Parameters are PH: 8.4, SG:1.025, Ammonia:0, NO2:0, NO3:5, PO4:0.08,dKH:6.2,Ca :440,Mg:1180 Temp:78-82 depending on season

That tank doesnt appear to have corals in it. The usual purpose of a water change is to remove any built up of unwanted water components (nitrates, etc) and replace some of the depleted trace elements and other things that the denizens of the tank have used up. Creatures that use calcium and alkalinity to build their bodies will deplete the tank at a higher rate than those that dont use as much. Creatures like corals can be sensitive to water parameters and will give you an indication that they are "unhappy" or wanting for something. The creatures you appear to have stocked in your tank, are less likely to be influenced by high nitrates or high phosphates, so water changes might not be as necessary for them to be "happy".

 

[Mil26]

Okay that's awesome to know and my answer to your question is no I don't plan on having sps just anemones and clowns with clean up crews

 

[cloudisback1997]

If you don't do water changes. You will have to dose trace elements. Especially if it is a fully stocked tank. I would assume you don't have a nitrate or phosphate problem too. And critters to clean ur sand bed are a must. If all that is covered you would most definitely get away with no water changes.

 

[Big E]

Try this..............do a 10-15% water change and then in 1-3 days see if your nems expand larger and fuller.

You may want to take some before after pics.