Large Tank Water Changes

[SPS_77493]

Large Tank Water Changes

I normally do two 200 gallon changes a month. Daily/Auto changes solve the problem ... but are much less effective in reducing Nitrates, etc.

^^^this plus it's not a big deal when corals are exposed for a few minutes. In the ocean there is low tides.

 

[Dmorty217]

This is partly why I'm hesitant to get a very large tank. Where do you buy your salt? 200 gallon water changes @$40 each?

Then I wonder, wouldn't changing water at a larger volume at a time be more effective than continuous water changes where you are in theory draining some of the fresh water that you just incorporated back out? Ie it seems like it would be better to do twice daily 10 gallon changes or something rather than hourly 1 gallon changes

Call around and talk to store owners. I was able to buy a pallet (40 boxes) of instant ocean for $25 per box that way

 

[McPuff]

Have you considered using a bigger sump? 50 gallons is a tiny sump for such a large display. Maybe a 300 rubbermaid trough would be appropriate and then you'd also have no problem doing a 200 gallon water change if that is the direction you'd like to maintain. I think the Genesis system sounds like a great option for you though. That, and maybe add some marine pure blocks to your sump to increase nutrient consumption/removal. You could also consider other means to reduce your nitrate concentration on a continuous basis.

 

[Blue spot]

How do the corals take to being out of water for +/- 5 minutes?

Not to bad I have a few sps, a catty and a sea anemone that all go completely out the water, no ill effects

 

[Raul-7]

1200G reef and only a 50G sump? Hope you have a drain large enough incase of an outage.

 

[thaireef]

I use the Apex DOS for daily water changes. Has been the best addition to my tank ever. With a tank your size, I would highly recommend you to consider an AWC system. It for sure has made my life my easier.

 

[JohnnyBoyPerth]

I only have a 100g tank but regularly expose my corals (SPS and all) to the air during water changes. This normally happens when lighting is at full intensity (ATi hybrid) and never had any losses. Typically they are exposed for 10-20mins as i try to do some other cleaning when the tank water is low.

 

[Crusty Old Shellback]

For years, I did 50% water changes from my tank, taking out 200 G each time. Never had an issue with any corals, sponges, etc.

It happens on a daily basis on a lot of reefs where the corals are exposed to the air and sun for hours as the tide goes in and out. I've seen some SPS reefs that sit out in the sun for hours between tides. So a short term exposure will be fine while you perform the water change.

 

[Kt8]

Crusty, what did u feed the moorish idol that u kept it for 4 years?