When to waterchange

[bbalex]

Started a new tank month ago. 340 liters. Started with live rock from established system, new live sand, bacteria. Carbon dosing since second day.

Amonia, nitrites, nitrates and phosphates never detected by the test.
Algae came for a week and disappeared.

Two weeks ago added few small sized fishes, few softies and euphyllias.

Started dosing “all-for-reef”.
nitrates at max - 5
Phosphates - 0
Ph 8.2
Ca - 410
Kh - 8
Parameters more or less stable.

So the question is: do I need to make water changes?

 

[Mikosreef]

Do you have a skimmer?
Chaeto?

I personally do not think you need to do water changes as long as you have a way to export nutrients and dosing "all major and minor" elements.

Observe the fish and corals, if you see them declining in any way, do 10% water changes to see if it makes a difference.

 

[Waters]

Started a new tank month ago. 340 liters. Started with live rock from established system, new live sand, bacteria. Carbon dosing since second day.

Amonia, nitrites, nitrates and phosphates never detected by the test.
Algae came for a week and disappeared.

Two weeks ago added few small sized fishes, few softies and euphyllias.

Started dosing “all-for-reef”.
nitrates at max - 5
Phosphates - 0
Ph 8.2
Ca - 410
Kh - 8
Parameters more or less stable.

So the question is: do I need to make water changes?

Based on those numbers, no. Water changes are just another method to remove excessive nutrients and replace anything that is missing. Your nutrients are fine (low actually in the form of phosphates) and you don't have anything major sucking up trace elements.

 

[bbalex]

Do you have a skimmer?
Chaeto?

I personally do not think you need to do water changes as long as you have a way to export nutrients and dosing "all major and minor" elements.

Observe the fish and corals, if you see them declining in any way, do 10% water changes to see if it makes a difference.

Thanks.
I have skimmer, mesh with active carbon in the sump and roller filter.

 

[bbalex]

Based on those numbers, no. Water changes are just another method to remove excessive nutrients and replace anything that is missing. Your nutrients are fine (low actually in the form of phosphates) and you don't have anything major sucking up trace elements.

When I look at numbers I also think there is no need for water changes. Just curious if I am missing smth.

 

[Uriken]

I know many reefers dislike water changes yet I agree with "stability" of water parameters being the key to the hobby. For me part of maintaining that stability is doing a 10% water change each week. The same time each week using RODI and the same salt mix. I have had success keeping my levels in check and maintain growth within the fish and coral by doing so. The dosing options like "All For Reef" I have read many reefers having success yet with the routine water changes and testing to maintain PH & ALK I'm getting the same result as the salt mix has much of what is in the additives even though it gets consumed and drops off as days go by. I'm sure many would ask "Why do a water change if nothing is wrong?". Yet stable maintenance in my opinion just supports the stability and avoid the possible avenue for things to go wrong and then in turn have to try and correct.

 

[wonroc]

Weekly

 

[Dom]

Stability is key in reef keeping. FAITHFUL WEEKLY water changes will serve to keep your tank stable.

Water changes are not only for nutrient export. Water changes serve as a way to replenish elements consumed by the tank.

 

[Uncle99]

Either weekly or when nutrients being to rise.
Your choice, neither better than other.

 

[Jekyl]

For coral it's been proven that heavy in and heavy out is the best method. So once your tank gets established your thought may change. As long as your parameters are correct there isn't a need for changes though.

 

[Rick's Reviews]

Yes, your tank is not yet cycled.. loadsa information here on big aquariums and cycling processes

 

[Uncle99]

Yes, your tank is not yet cycled.. loadsa information here on big aquariums and cycling processes

30 days started with Live Rock, that would be cycled.

 

[Rick's Reviews]

Ok

30 days started with Live Rock, that would be cycled.

 

[Rick's Reviews]

Your 4k messages means your correct, but 30 days is not cycled.
You understand by now through your messages and science you provide, Thier is still some debate? Especially knowing the question you asked...
Reaction score +1

 

[Rick's Reviews]

Maybe you should read back on all the information you provided over the years, I'm sure it's not just me that has appreciated it , who knows, maybe we could learn more....

 

[Jekyl]

Your 4k messages means your correct, but 30 days is not cycled.
You understand by now through your messages and science you provide, Thier is still some debate? Especially knowing the question you asked...
Reaction score +1

No. If you start a tank with established rock from another tank the nitrogen cycle doesn't happen. That's the whole reason for using mature rock.

 

[Rick's Reviews]

No. If you start a tank with established rock from another tank the nitrogen cycle doesn't happen. That's the whole reason for using mature rock.

I love learning and developing a good knowledge of keeping my aquriam inhabitants alive, that's all I need to do, this is my aquriam and my life...
My aquarium is doing great xx

 

[Uncle99]

Comes off……just rude.

 

[Jekyl]

I love learning and developing a good knowledge of keeping my aquriam inhabitants alive, that's all I need to do, this is my aquriam and my life...
My aquarium is doing great xx

Don't understand the hostility here. Originally just thought you read the OP wrong and was trying to correct bad information. Either way have a blessed day.

 

[Dom]

Either weekly or when nutrients being to rise.
Your choice, neither better than other.

@Uncle99 - In terms of stability, don't you think it would better to do water changes weekly?