Water change frequency

[reefjim]

Interested in peoples best practice for water changes. I’m doing 10% per week, but I wanted to know if I did more would that be better or worse, or if more advanced hobbyists have found a better solution.

 

[Hockey Stick]

I personally do 2% a day with my auto water change system. Game changer.

 

[reefjim]

I personally do 2% a day with my auto water change system. Game changer.

Do you use an ato as well and did you have a system you recommend? Always up for anything that keeps tank stable as I build up more expensive corals and fish

 

[Nick Steele]

I do about 20-25% a week but it’s a small 20g (16 water volume) tank. On a larger system if all is well I’d stick with 10% every 2 weeks to cut cost a little.

 

[TCoach]

I just started doing 10% a week. I went quite a while with no water changes, but my RODI filters and membrane exhausted without me realizing leading to a tank crash.

I’m working on building some better habits that will lead to long term success. Super long term would be to do AWC’s, but that is a ways down the road.

-TCoach

 

[GARRIGA]

Might want to add an additional question. “When parameters warrant it”. That’s my approach as every system is different

 

[Reef.]

Might want to add an additional question. “When parameters warrant it”. That’s my approach as every system is different

Exactly.

IMO you do a water change for a reason, if you have a reason then you will know exactly how much water to change and how often.

If you do a water change to help lower nitrates, then the nitrate lvl will determine when and how much water to change, no point only changing 10% a week if 20% is what is needed.

 

[Waters]

As stated, water changes are just another tool to keep water chemistry stable (reducing nutrients and adding trace elements). Some tanks require 0 water changes, some require 100% (in the case of very small nanos). There really is no formula other than lots of testing.

 

[pulpfiction]

I don't dose so water changes are vital. My coral were unhappy with a WC every two weeks. Back to every week and they are happier.

 

[Jeeperz]

After scrapping glass this is what my max nano looks after 2 months of no water change, no dosing. I was always told to do 20% by the lfs that got me started, seemed like an upfront guy as he wouldn't sell me coral for first 3 months and told me to test daily, of course I'm stubborn so coral and rbta went in within first 2 months.

My tanks ALWAYS looked better after a 10-20% change and that's what I recommend to others even if I'm lazy and don't follow it

 

[TheReefDiary]

i do weekly 20% water changes for my 13.5g tank (actually 10g). in reality i could get away with 2 weeks, but i dont dose anything besides alk so i like to do water changes to replace cal and other elements. dont really need to do water changes for nutrient export reasons.