FOwLR + Macro Algae = fewer water changes?

[FlyPenFly]

Fish only tank. I'm thinking about setting up a small 20g tank with an aquaclear 50 + intank basket running just carbon, purigen, and filter floss.

No skimmer but there will be a small UV unit inside. There will be a variety of macro algae in the tank.

For a medium level of stocking, how often do I really need to change the water out if nitrates read 0 consistently?

 

[sandwi54]

Well, how big is the DT and what fish are in there?

 

[humaguy]

water changes are the easiest route to clean water, regardless of tank size...

 

[Mrscribbled]

IMO it has more to do with replacing minerals than keeping nitrates down. Carbon will remove a great deal of good things from the water also.