water changes

[dr. todd]

Im transitioning to a sps reef and am aware that stability is key. With my softie tank water changes were not all that stressful. I have a basic question when I do a water change I siphon out at the same time I am replacing the fresh salt water. Is this something I should change? I think I read some where that this practice was an acceptable method.The reason I do this so it doesnt change the water leval exposing coral. If Im trying to bring nitrates down by changing water is this as effective as draining then replacing the fresh water? Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[Toddrtrex]

You don't have to do it at the same time.

For my tanks, I will pull out 5 gallons of water, dump it, do some other cleaning, and then refill it with 5 gallons of water that I had mixing up for the last 24 hours.

 

[IslandCrow]

The only drawback to draining water at the same time your replace it is if your draining and filling from the same area of the tank. In this instance, you'll inevitably be draining some of the water you just filled, so what you thought was a 10% water change may really only be a 9% water change. Otherwise, it seems like a perfectly acceptable method to me.