When and why should i do water change?

[Makubex]

I havent done it in 2 weeks and my nitrates are always 5ppm, is it necessary? I dont have high nitrates and if i do theres this instant ocean nitrate reducer, so why should i still do a water change??????? I don't get it....

 

[Brett S]

Water changes do more than just remove nitrates. Many trace elements will be depleted by your livestock and water changes will replenish them. In some cases water changes can also replenish calcium and alkalinity if you have a reasonably low calcium and alkalinity demand in your tank. This can help prevent you from needing to dose calcium and alkalinity, at least for a while.

There are methods that promote no water changes (look at the triton method) but most of them require frequent testing and dosing of trace elements to replace those that are depleted.

 

[sde1500]

Do you have coral? How are you providing for them? W/C isn't just about Nitrates. Think Alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, etc.

 

[Paul B]

No, you are fine. I change water 4 or 5 times a year and my tank is very old.

 

[attiland]

No, you are fine. I change water 4 or 5 times a year and my tank is very old.

I like this approach. Out of interest what are you dosing?

 

[Paul B]

Just calcium and alk.

No problems yet.

 

[Makubex]

Is kalkwasser alkalinity

 

[Biokabe]

Kalk is Alkalinity + Calcium. Literally chalk-water.