Water Changes

dwilliams87 · Oct 7, 2013

I have read several opinions on frequency and volumes for water changes. I would love to here what everyones routine is. Maybe it could give fellow reefers some ideas on things we could do differently. I know there are many ways to have a successful reef, but I'm always interested in hearing, and seeing, how someone else has done things.

A couple of questions I would like to see addressed are what is the purpose of water changes? Is it for waste removal? Is it for trace element replenishing? If you don't need the waste removal, how often does the elements need replenishing? Also, what are some of the other things you do at water changes? Where do you siphon from? The display or sump? Cleaning? Feeding? I'd love to see some of the heavy hitters on here, that would maybe help some of us bench warmers play a little more. lol And as always, Happy Reefing.

3Twinklets · Oct 7, 2013

I change 20% weekly. During the time the tank is draining I clean the glass and overflow and just take advantage of inspecting things that are easier to see when the tank level is lower.
The purpose of water changes includes waste removal and trace element replenishing in addition to leveling salinity if needed. Water changes also add oxygen and generally refreshes the water. You will immediately notice crisper, clearer, cleaner looking water without the yellow look of old water. I am sure I left something out but the benefits are many.

Reefing Madness · Oct 7, 2013

I change 55g every 6 months. I do it just for the new Trace Elements from the salt. If the numbers are in line, I see no reason to change the water.
I siphon it out from the Sump, and clean the sump in the process. I leave a few inches of water in there so my Macro Algae doesn't die while i'm doing this. I do nothing special at this time, as most of my maintenance is done weekly anyways.
I dose what the tank needs in that 6 month period that I don't do WC.

glb · Oct 7, 2013

I change 10% weekly. I clean my filter media in the dirty water at the same time. After I add the new water I test it and dose as needed. I change weekly to keep my nitrates under control.