Torn between two methods

[CMO]

Yes and if I did it again I'd be trimming the fuge periodically instead of leaving it be like Triton suggested.

Agree 100%. I also starved my system with Triton and did not trim Chaeto in the beginning. What a giant mess that created when the fuge took my NO3 and PO4 to 0.00000. Triton really needs a disclaimer on how the large fuge can suck up literally all nutrients and perhaps add nitrate dosing as part of the method (like with Pax Bellum). Now I'm left battling Dinos. Yay. But, I'd still consider the method to produce great results and very happy with my Triton tank. Triton method + nitrate dosing + regular chaeto trimming to keep it healthy and growing = great results and no mess in the fuge.

 

[Grigs]

(note click on above to expand and see my boldand underlining.)


If you follow my super duper nerdy equation, 0% production, 0% in replacement water means the tank will wind up at 0.

With production (constant increase) of say 1ppm/day a 1/10 water change every 10 days will result on 100ppm just before water changes. 100ppm down to 90ppm back up to 100 10 days later. 10%/day water change will result in 10ppm just before the water changes. 10ppm before water change, 9 ppm after, back up to 10ppm the next day.

I may be a nerdy old engineer who forgot most of my math, so I prefer simple equations. LOL

my .02

I started off disclaiming it as nerdy... lol

My attempt was simply to quantify the small step changes and relative stability of daily water changes vs weekly by using hypothetical data rather than generalizations. I agree that with no production you would ultimately reach zero. My conclusion was simply a nod to reality...

 

[leahfiish]

I seriously investigated Red Sea, Triton, and Zeovit. Discarded Zeovit because (A) initial expense was high, and (B) many long term KZ tanks showed pale, pastel colored corals. Down to Red Sea and Triton. I used the Red Sea 'Reef Mature' kit(s) to start getting the bio filter established, while still deciding. I was _very_ happy with the reef mature kit performance... but no water changes is a real draw for me... decisions... decisions... Finally picked Triton, but if it doesn't work out very well for me, I may well move back to Red Sea. Ask me again in a year

It's been a year. Still using Triton?

 

[Greybeard]

It's been a year. Still using Triton?

Nope.

I found it impossible to balance Calcium and Alkalinity with Triton, and had far more algae problems than I wanted to deal with.

Switched to ESV B-Ionic many months ago.

Kinda odd... I was a successful reefer many years ago, exited the hobby for a decade, and all excited about the new techniques and technologies when I came back in. I've been back for 3 years now. I've got a tank lit by T5's, a good skimmer, a macro algae sump, dose Kalkwasser and ESV. I'm using the same tools and techniques that I was using two decades ago.

I am planning to swap out manual bi-weekly water changes in favor of an AWC system. We'll see

 

[beaslbob]

Nope.

I found it impossible to balance Calcium and Alkalinity with Triton, and had far more algae problems than I wanted to deal with.

Switched to ESV B-Ionic many months ago.

Kinda odd... I was a successful reefer many years ago, exited the hobby for a decade, and all excited about the new techniques and technologies when I came back in. I've been back for 3 years now. I've got a tank lit by T5's, a good skimmer, a macro algae sump, dose Kalkwasser and ESV. I'm using the same tools and techniques that I was using two decades ago.

I am planning to swap out manual bi-weekly water changes in favor of an AWC system. We'll see

no need to change what works.