water changes

[Fishfinder]

Is anyone using the aquaforest system to dose trace trace elements and nutrient while not doing water changes? If the nutrients are in check and trace elements being added I dont see the need for water changes

 

[chefjpaul]

It could work, but possible it would eventually build up, depending on the nutrient export, it could overcome that.

Aquaforest recommends water changes, its not a supplemental system like Triton, its more of balling.

 

[Fishfinder]

What do you mean supplemental? Aquaforest says they provide all trace elements in their 1+2+3+,

 

[chefjpaul]

What do you mean supplemental? Aquaforest says they provide all trace elements in their 1+2+3+,

Yes, I use aquaforest.

Its a balling method.

If you have a great nutrient export methods, it should work, I just think to make it work efficiently, one must employ ICP testing system to either know additions or removal of elements, compound etc.

balling, (only thge big three plus mineral salt), along with thier "probiotics" and coral supplements may be efficient, but stuff (nutrients), could build up.

 

[Ubergroover]

I do that...I use the 1+2+3...Zeo ,np pro, pro bio s. Oversized skimmer. I water change 25% 4 times a year ( out of guilt I think...lol) and only add water that I produce at home with my RODI. Fish and coral show zero ill effects, inverts are happy. I will water change if I see to much salt creep, after I clean it. but typically I only add fresh water.

 

[Fishfinder]

Yes, I use aquaforest.

Its a balling method.

If you have a great nutrient export methods, it should work, I just think to make it work efficiently, one must employ ICP testing system to either know additions or removal of elements, compound etc.

balling, (only thge big three plus mineral salt), along with thier "probiotics" and coral supplements may be efficient, but stuff (nutrients), could build up.

Thank you

I understand what you are saying about contaminant buildup. Yes testing would be needed occasionally to check for these things. I just don't see the difference between any band of balling supplements. Aquaforest 1+2+3+, Triton Base Elements, ATI Essentials. All contain the same things (roughly) the big three and trace.

 

[chefjpaul]

Thank you

I understand what you are saying about contaminant buildup. Yes testing would be needed occasionally to check for these things. I just don't see the difference between any band of balling supplements. Aquaforest 1+2+3+, Triton Base Elements, ATI Essentials. All contain the same things (roughly) the big three and trace.

Right.!

Ive been using this and attempting the same thing you are thinking.

The issues I had were, refugium not big enough, skimmer was very efficient.
The probiotics pro bio S & np pro work great..... if you use slowly and the tank is fairly established. It will drop nutrients quickly. Stuff works awesome. I found I had to add po4 & no3.
Low bio load at the time.

I think it will work fine, just dont go cold turkey and test ICP oftern to find the minerals building up or lacking.

Basically what I came up with is ICP testing, AF supplements, (basically trition other method).

 

[Fishfinder]

My tank is just over a year old, I am able to keep nutrients well controlled. But am only dosing the alk/cal with no trace. My color and growth is poor due to infrequent water changes. My hopes were that I could possibly use aquaforest supplements and continue my no water change path.

 

[chefjpaul]

My tank is just over a year old, I am able to keep nutrients well controlled. But am only dosing the alk/cal with no trace. My color and growth is poor due to infrequent water changes. My hopes were that I could possibly use aquaforest supplements and continue my no water change path.

Water changes can help with that, the synthetic salts will aide in adding "micronutrients".

I'd personally try that first. Then once everything is running and looking grea r, slowly try and implement it.