Weekly water change percentage?

Paleozoic_reefer · Oct 11, 2018

hello fellow reefers!

I recently (6 months ago) upgraded to a Red Reefer 350 from a 60 gal cube. I have a predominately LPS tank and would like to do small weekly changes rather than one monthly big one. I was doing 30 gal once a month but feel it wasn’t cutting it in terms of my tank’s need. Can you all give me an idea on how many gallons I should do weekly? Any experience or routines on other RR 350s would be greatly appreciated!

PDR · Oct 11, 2018

What about the 30 gallon change wasn’t cutting it? Are you having algae or nutrient issues? Are you wanting wc’s to keep up with alk and calcium?

Geebs19 · Oct 11, 2018

I do 10% every week.

Paleozoic_reefer · Oct 11, 2018

Well I notice the amount of coralline growth completely stopped and my bubble algae population exploded....not really keeping weekly track of my alk or cal (I know, I know...I’ll start checking regularly!) but Alk is usually between 8-9 when I check it every month

cancun · Oct 12, 2018

I also do a 10% wc every week. I use Red Sea Coral Pro salt and never have to dose calcium or anything. I have no SPS, only LPS and a few softies.

I would suggest do a 5 to 10% wc once a week and see how that works for you. Each tank is different. For me my tank does the best with a 10% once a week.

My experience with bubble algae as opposed to hair algae, dynos, or Cyanobacteria is that when I had a outbreak it came in on a coral frag or piece of live rock. It was years ago, but it was a PITA to get rid of it. So I examine everything that goes in my tank. LOL!

GoPitt88 · Oct 12, 2018

I do 10 % weekly water changes religiously, and don't have an algae problem. That's what I would highly recommend! [emoji106]

Michelle Crossley · Oct 12, 2018

I do 10% every week. At the moment I have a cyano breakout.it sends me nuts

PDR · Oct 12, 2018

You can’t go wrong with 10% weekly, but I’m not sure the extra 10% per month will make much of a difference in your case. I could be wrong but I think bubble algae is one of those things that can just take over unless you manually remove it or get something that eats it.

If you could get a baseline test of nutrients and major elements, we could probably help you out better.

My work/life schedule made it difficult for me to do consistent weekly water changes, so I opted for 2% daily (1.5 gallons). I’ve been much more consistent this way.