Water parameters before water change

[JAMSOURY]

I’m trying to get my water parameters consistent and I’ve been reading everyone does about a 10% water change every week. About what levels are your calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity before the water change? And also, what does it usually go up to?

I know it all varies from tank size and type of salt but I’m trying to get an idea how much a water change affects the numbers.

 

[Ludders]

Ideally a water change shouldn't affect your element levels and depending on what you keep, these should be replenished throughout the week by way of dosing to maintain a desired level of consistency with your water parameters.

 

[JAMSOURY]

Ideally a water change shouldn't affect your element levels and depending on what you keep, these should be replenished throughout the week by way of dosing to maintain a desired level of consistency with your water parameters.

Some people are able to avoid dosing by water changes though, right?

 

[Ludders]

Some people are able to avoid dosing by water changes though, right?

Yes you can, but there are many variables. Firstly the salt you use will have an impact and then secondly what stock or consumption will have an impact. Also if you have a high quality light, the growth of your corals will be accelerated and consumption will be higher than that of a lower quality light, so you see where I'm coming from.

The only way to know for sure, is to test your freshly mixed water and also your aquarium water before and after a water change.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Some people are able to avoid dosing by water changes though, right?

Only for a tank with a very low demand for alkalinity.