Possible to never do water changes?
- Thread starter QuinnLee512
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Lost in the Sauce
BANGERANG!!!!
All of the moonshiners I know still keep water on hand and have had to use it at times.
It is possible, but it usually takes a bit of planning (typically for dosing and nutrient export, but, in your case, sand maintenance too). We’ve even had TOTM’s that run no water change systems (as mentioned in a post above, though, it’s probably a good idea to have some extra salt/water around as a just in case - a lot of people do a “no planned water changes system”).
Some relevant threads:
www.reef2reef.com
www.reef2reef.com
Info on the Reef Moonshiner’s method:
Some relevant threads:
HOW??
Here's a crazy 1. I see these nano reefs with a few LPS and soft coral in lobbies around, with a HOB skimmer and nothing else, clearly neglected, power heads disintegrating and falling apart. Yet the coral survives. Brown, usually, not many vibrant colors. But the clown fish are fat and...
www.reef2reef.com
REEF OF THE MONTH - June 2022: Reefer_punk's Beautiful DSR Reef! No Water Changes in 4+ Years!
R2R Username: @Reefer_punk Build Thread: Reefer_punk's new build thread Introduction: Hi to all of you, Reef2Reefers! First of all, I am unbelievably honored to have my tank picked as Reef of the Month! It is humbling to be selected and...
www.reef2reef.com
Info on the Reef Moonshiner’s method:
OP
OP
QuinnLee512
Well-Known Member
Thanks I'll have a read. I make my own saltwater so I always have water on hand.It is possible, but it usually takes a bit of planning (typically for dosing and nutrient export, but, in your case, sand maintenance too). We’ve even had TOTM’s that run no water change systems (as mentioned in a post above, though, it’s probably a good idea to have some extra salt/water around as a just in case - a lot of people do a “no planned water changes system”).
Some relevant threads:
HOW??
Here's a crazy 1. I see these nano reefs with a few LPS and soft coral in lobbies around, with a HOB skimmer and nothing else, clearly neglected, power heads disintegrating and falling apart. Yet the coral survives. Brown, usually, not many vibrant colors. But the clown fish are fat and...REEF OF THE MONTH - June 2022: Reefer_punk's Beautiful DSR Reef! No Water Changes in 4+ Years!
R2R Username: @Reefer_punk Build Thread: Reefer_punk's new build thread Introduction: Hi to all of you, Reef2Reefers! First of all, I am unbelievably honored to have my tank picked as Reef of the Month! It is humbling to be selected and...
Info on the Reef Moonshiner’s method:
homer1475
Figuring out the hobby one coral at a time.
This is why you use a sock in your sump. Vacuum all day long without loosing a single drop of water.
OP
OP
QuinnLee512
Well-Known Member
I use a python so I'll just put a filter sock over the squeeze pump. Awesome idea!
vetteguy53081
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I rarely if ever change water but that comes with disciplined testing of water, ICP testing and a very stable tank. Once there, I replenish evaporated water along with adding trace elements and vitamins as well as aminos
stephanjupillat
Active Member
I’ve never tired that but have read many people doing that. What micron do you use? Do you vacuum the entire sand bed at one time or portions? I would fear losing all good things in the sand bed if done all at once.
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OP
QuinnLee512
Well-Known Member
But do you vacuum the sand bed?
vetteguy53081
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No unless VERY needed (visually) which my tank is nearly bare-bottom
homer1475
Figuring out the hobby one coral at a time.
No idea micron size, just a felt filter sock, same ones I normally use. And yes in my 80G cube I do the entire sandbed once a month. I also employee 3 fighting conch, several nessarious(sp?) snails, and my sandbed is full of medusa/spaghetti worms.
homer1475
Figuring out the hobby one coral at a time.
OMG this a family friendly webiste! You can't say that.
Sorry couldn't help myself. Think it's my flu and pneumonia.
vetteguy53081
Well known Member and monster tank lover
Partner Member 2024
Excellence Award
Reef Tank 365
RGB
Article Contributor
Tampa Bay Reef Keepers
West Palm Beach Reefer
Hospitality Award
Ocala Reef Club Member
305 Reef Club
Wisco Reefers
Midwest Reefer
Fish Medic
MAC of SW Florida
Rock Pool Reef Keepers
R2R Secret Santa 2023
My Tank Thread
My Aquarium Showcase
I fixed that sentenceOMG this a family friendly webiste! You can't say that.
Sorry couldn't help myself. Think it's my flu and pneumonia.
HomebroodExotics
Well-Known Member
I believe you can run a system with zero water changes with the right processes. I don’t do any water changes in my tanks.
homer1475
Figuring out the hobby one coral at a time.
Yeah i'm not even sure why I change water anymore. I've gone a few months, and never really noticed a difference.
It's just whats been ingrained in me for 30 years, so I keep doing them.
EDIT:
Make that 40 years. Sometimes we forget how old we are.
It's just whats been ingrained in me for 30 years, so I keep doing them.
EDIT:
Make that 40 years. Sometimes we forget how old we are.
Last edited:
rennjidk
Well-Known Member
Unless you have physically contaminated your tank with something that needs to be removed, there is no required reason to ever do a WC. There are multiple avenues to replacing micro and macro elements, as well as nutrient export. Just do a little research and pick your preferred method.
PeterEde
2500 Club Member
My tank is almost 11 months old. I've changed my sand for coarser and since have not vacuumed my bottom.
I have a sand sifter goby and cerith snails that seem to be doing a great job in keeping my bottom clean.
My only WC in recent times has been 15% to reduce No3. Now stable around 25ppm. Dosing Reef essentials.
