how to do less water changes?

[trelise]

Hi. As the title says, what are some tips/tricks to extend the time between water changes so you don't have to do them so often?

I'm off to uni in two years and the halls don't allow fishtanks. I will only be at the halls for a year and then go flatting where I can bring the tank. I plan to leave it at home for that year (I live 45 mins away from where I'm going to uni) and return to do any upkeep, like water changes. My family is happy to do smaller stuff like feeding and filling the ATO reservoir ect. They will be able to do an emergency WC if needed, don't worry!

My plan is to come back, test parameters, and check up on everything. I'd like to figure out some strategies now so that I can miss a week if life/assignments ect catches up with me or so that it's just easier.

So, any tips ect?

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

Automatic water changing. Uv. Bio pellets. Ozone.
-d

 

[Greg P]

If your tank has only fish you will be fine, as long as your family keeps your Sg levels happy, and your fish get enough food - but not too much. And someone cleans the tank once in awhile.

If your tank has corals, without regular weekly/monthly attention, your tank will not survive your stay away without an extensive list of instructions.

 

[damsels are not mean]

Feed lightly and don't grow a lot of stonies.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

it depends whats in your tank, if its FOWLR then much less frequently, compared to heavily stocked with corals which are draining elements out of the water and need to replenish the elements or the corals will die. Depends on whats in your tak

 

[trelise]

Automatic water changing. Uv. Bio pellets. Ozone.
-d

Sounds great, thanks!

 

[trelise]

If your tank has only fish you will be fine, as long as your family keeps your Sg levels happy, and your fish get enough food - but not too much. And someone cleans the tank once in awhile.

If your tank has corals, without regular weekly/monthly attention, your tank will not survive your stay away without an extensive list of instructions.

Yeah, I plan to package out food and set up a feeding schedule so they can't overfeed.

I see your point about the corals. I'll look into how much they're willing to do and try and figure it out a little.

 

[GSnake]

thats a question i like ^.
ive aimed for minimal maintenance too, not only cause im in school and am busy, but I just want to automize things so i can just enjoy it more .

doser,
refugium,
skimmer,
look into balling method and a NACL free salt, ( i use aquaforest - also know of tropic marin all for reef ) (minor element maintenance)
i also use seachem reef fuel (for amino + minor element supplement)
auto feeder

i have no need for water changes after this, since the chemistry is mostly always the same.

 

[Paul B]

I only change water 4 or 5 times a year and only if I am bored. Your tank will be fine and I believe to many water changes are detrimental anyway. My tank is very old and very healthy