When to water change?

[Koa]

My tank has been stocked for about 2 weeks the water and parameters have been good all this time, when should I do a water change? and how much
Parameters and stock
Ammonia 0
nitrate 0
nitrite 0
ph 8.2
temp 81-4
Alk N/A
Calcium 420
copper 0
Stock:
2 nasuris snails
3 blue legged hermits
1 cerith snail
1 zoa frag
future stock (few days)
More zoas a torch coral and gsp

 

[ngoodermuth]

Water changes are one of those things that many people handle differently. I've seen anywhere from small daily water changes to tanks that have run for years without a water change.

I think most people aim for at least bi-weekly changes of 10-15% (That's what I do currently) but that is something that could be adjusted based on your tank. For example, someone with high nitrates or someone whose tank is using a lot of elements may want to change more frequently whereas someone with too low nutrients may go a month or so between changes. It's one of those "listen to your system" things.

 

[JamesP]

Water changes can also add back in trace elements if using a good salt mix. I dont want to have to supplement trace so i do water changes. Also the obvious that it is nutrient export.

 

[stevo01]

Great topic. I used to do a lot of water changes. Since I got the reefer wet I have not done a single water change 12/26/16. Tested elements last night using red sea pro kit. Haven't dosed any elements to date. Corals haven't been in the tank very long.

Measured with Red Sea Pro
Ca - 440
Mg - 1400
Alk - 7.8 dkh

Measured with API
Nh3 - 0
No3 - 10 ppm

Measured with Hanna
Po4 - .5 on

Measured with P4
Salinity - 1.026
Ph - 8.16
ReDox - 451mv
Temp - 77.8

 

[crystalseatexas]

For a new tank I do a huge water change after the first cycle, then watch nitrates...

 

[Sm51498]

Depends on the tank really but any time is a good time to do a water change. It almost never hurts.

 

[chefjpaul]

https://reefbuilders.com/2017/04/21...s-one-trick-that-keeps-jamies-reef-so-bangin/

 

[Sunshine22]

I like doing more water changes to avoid dosing, I have friends though who prefer to dose and only change water once a month. WC are something you have to tailor to your own aquarium in the end I guess .