Water Changes for SPS dominated tanks

[EyeReef]

We all strive for 0 phosphate in our water. There are many methods to keep the level down to a minimum. Phosban reactors, cheatos, skimmer etc are all options. My question is, would it be okay to do a 25% water change twice a week or even a 50% once a week to help maintain a low level. Would it affect the stability of the tank with a freq large water change?

 

[Cubbies]

I would say it affects. I've heard it's better to do smaller WC more frequently than large WC at once. Unless it's really needed or emergency of course.

 

[Pufferpunk]

Nothing wrong with regular WC, as long as you are consistent. I've done many 50% WC on my reef tanks. For FW, I do 50, 75 or 90% weekly partials, depending on the on habitants.

 

[scotty]

Bioload is very key. If you are feeding heavy I say twice a week. If not then weekly. It is a very depends on the tank scenario. If you are testing elements for the sps, then you should do the water change according to treat levels. The tank will tell you.

 

[bluemike81]

Carbon dosing here. I have only changed about 10 gallons total in the past 6 months, and I feed pretty heavily.

 

[Stonefish13]

I also carbon dose I change about 40 gallons out every 3 months from my 220. I agree with the post above that you keep on testing and testing and the tank will let you know. I think every tank is different and needs to be treated uniquely.

 

[scotty]

Nothing replaces a water change. Watch your growth if you start putting new water in there. Also dosing becomes less frequent.

 

[EyeReef]

thanks guys for your inputs..

 

[fastrc]

Ive done 3 10 gallon water changes in a year. I use phosphate reactor/calcium reactor,skimmer,and i dose iodine,extra calcium,strontium,magnesium on a drip every day and my numbers are always right on but calcium sometimes goes down because of loads.I think water changes are good for a tank but i have so much evaporation that i do about a 35 gallon water add a week or more.That is on my main display,The other 8 are a different completely.

 

[fastrc]

I have dumped out about probably 50 gallon into coolers when i go pickup stuff so i guess that is considered water changes! lol
And i don't have many fish in my display, 1 sailfin tang, 4 clownfish a scotter blenny and a mandarin is it so i care less if there growth hormones get tickled by the water that there in lmao!!

 

[MMreef]

I do small 5 gal. WC every week on my 120.I do carbon dosing and feed really heavy ,my parameters are great,but I believe in WC because it replaces trace elements needed for corals.

 

[trackfast]

I run three nano tanks; they're skimmerless so PWCs are vital. I usually do at least one PWC a week on each tank and it "s at least 10% if not more. I do run chaeto in one of the tanks to help out.

 

[EyeReef]

Thanks guys for all your input. I love to keep my fish fat so I feed 3x a day. I dont think my old school ASM skimmer can keep up with all the feeding So I have doing 2x 7 gallon water changes a week. My once brown sps's are starting to color up