Water Changes ~ How Much & How Often

[bckane]

38gal main....15gal sump/fuge
IM doing 10% every week......or should I do a 20% every other week.?

 

[bawla47]

there really isnt a set regimine(spelling?) on water changes, but i dont see a problem doing 10% every week. have you been testing your mixed water change water vs your tank water? maybe your numbers are off alot, sometimes they are.

 

[bckane]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6907379#post6907379 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bawla47
there really isnt a set regimine(spelling?) on water changes, but i dont see a problem doing 10% every week. have you been testing your mixed water change water vs your tank water? maybe your numbers are off alot, sometimes they are.

I do all my testing a day after the water change........I up the calcium a little.......380/440

 

[Treeman]

Do you test the new saltwater before you add it to the tank.? If you are having a problem, sometimes that can be it. How long do you mix the saltwater before you use it?

10% every week or two is fine unless you are having a problem and depending on your bioload.

 

[simon.007]

I do 15% every week. SPS seems to love it.

 

[bckane]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6909593#post6909593 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Treeman
Do you test the new saltwater before you add it to the tank.? If you are having a problem, sometimes that can be it. How long do you mix the saltwater before you use it?

10% every week or two is fine unless you are having a problem and depending on your bioload.

The only thing Ive checked in the makup water was the calcium and the RO/DI....My makeup water mixes for about a week before I use it.....I make up about 25 gals and it last close to a month....

 

[Nzomniak]

Question from a newbie!

I understand that you mix the new water with a powerhead. But are you supposed to leave the powerhead in the bucket all week long, until you are ready to do the water change? Or can you just mix it for a couple hours, then remove the powerhead?

 

[bawla47]

no, its best to leave it mixing for that long, but a week is extreme. 48-72 hours is fine, but theres no harm mixing a week at all.

 

[Nzomniak]

ahh, ok. It makes more sense that way. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Treeman]

You can also just use an airstone to mix it. 2 - 3 days is fine like Bawla said.

 

[bckane]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6909593#post6909593 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Treeman
Do you test the new saltwater before you add it to the tank.? If you are having a problem, sometimes that can be it. How long do you mix the saltwater before you use it?

10% every week or two is fine unless you are having a problem and depending on your bioload.

Do you test the new saltwater before you add it to the tank.?

What test should run.?

 

[Treeman]

Alk, calcium, phosphates and of course salinity

You don't have to test everytime but at least with a new batch of salt and if the mix looks funny. Or if you are having problems after a water change. Remember this is testing your source water also. If you are getting bad readys look at the source water first.

 

[bckane]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6916873#post6916873 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Treeman
Alk, calcium, phosphates and of course salinity

You don't have to test everytime but at least with a new batch of salt and if the mix looks funny. Or if you are having problems after a water change. Remember this is testing your source water also. If you are getting bad readys look at the source water first.

Batch water
Alk. 8dkh
Calcium 340
Phosphates 0
Salinity 35ppt

Tank Water
Alk..8dkh
Calcium 420...I add ESV B-Ionic Ca Buff Pt2
Phosphates.0
Salinity..35ppt

The only thing I see is the Calcium is a little low

 

[gabrito]

i do about 10 % weekly