Why do you do water changes?

[reefgeezer]

I do infrequent water changes when something seems out of whack. How much depends on how out of whack I think it is. I change 10 to 30%, while vacuuming the bottom & rocks, cleaning the sump, & etc. I imagine that since I don't use a calcium reactor & don't dose any minor trace elements, the out of "whack-ness" I'm seeing is related to low trace elements.

 

[kmbyrnes]

Interesting discussion and opinions. When I started this hobby just 3 years ago, they were 'religion', but this thread makes valid points to ponder.
I do 10-20% water changes every third week, since I have 3 tanks.
Mainly, I use it as an opportunity to clean out detritus and export the algae I'm fighting in one of them.
I guess I could get by with less often.

 

[ejawitz]

When I do a water change, should I be cleaning deep into my sand substrate?

 

[recluse]

I would, but not every week though. (if that's your routine) Once a month should be fine IME.

A little elbow grease can go a long way sometimes...

 

[jason2459]

That begs the question, does carbon remove DOCs?

Some research on GAC

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/1/aafeature1/

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/2/aafeature1/


And on TOC
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/9/aafeature2/

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/9/aafeature2/

 

[Buzz1329]

Hey jason2459,


"Liquid iron dosing to bind PO4"

Can you explain that?

Thanks.

Mike

 

[jason2459]

Hey jason2459,



"Liquid iron dosing to bind PO4"

Can you explain that?

Thanks.

Mike

It's possible it could bind PO4 much like GFO. I haven't seen any research on it however. You would also need to filter that out. I believe GlennF uses a pump with filter floss wrapped around it.

GlennF mentioned that I believe not me. I don't use GFO or have any need to use anything that specifically targets PO4 to reduce PO4 more then its already at.

 

[solitude127]

I do water changes so that I can vacuum my sand.

 

[Jah2707]

Because the tank always looks better the day or 2 after a water change.

Because I can vacuum the sand that that time.

Because someone told me to

Because I would rather do everything I can to keep a healthy tank.

Because that way if it crashes I won't feel like it is my fault.

Because it helps keep my calcium where I want it.

Because I would want new fresh water as often as I could get it if I lived in the tank.

Because I need t stop buying stuff for my tank and this way I still get to mess with it.

Because it is easy and cheap to do.

I could probably add twice as many if I really wanted to

 

[Buzz1329]

It's possible it could bind PO4 much like GFO. I haven't seen any research on it however. You would also need to filter that out. I believe GlennF uses a pump with filter floss wrapped around it.

GlennF mentioned that I believe not me. I don't use GFO or have any need to use anything that specifically targets PO4 to reduce PO4 more then its already at.

Thanks.

 

[kozmic]

Why do you do water changes?

I really like the upper body workout I get from carrying/lifting 5 gallon buckets full of water to/from the bathroom from my office where the tank is located...the great thing is that I often start the process with a mouthful of electrolytes to be sure I don't cramp up! :spin2:

Any nutrient export or trace element replacement is just a side benefit!