bo0ger1 wrote:
Might be better to stand the question on it's head and ask those who do
water changes "what do you think they achieve". I don't need to remove
NO3 (It varies between 0 & 5ppm) or PO4 or anything else I can think of
right now. If adding trace elements is your reason, then you're
assuming that the salt mix you buy has the correct trace elements in it
(Some don't event get the Ca & alk. right).


I have been arguing with these nuckleheads for about 2-weeks regarding
unnecessary water changes. I have received 3-reasons that they do them.

1) In order to add trace elements/remove nitrate.
2) It's enjoyable
3) Because coral release toxic chemicals into the water ??

I think the real reason they do it is for a lack of understanding at the
chemical/biological level. It is easier for them to do a water change than
to grasp what is going on in their tank at a biological level.


BTW: It's not laziness either, I also have 4 FW tanks & they get 20%
changed every 2 weeks. Anyone got any live rock that works in FW?




OK...I am very much a newbie here and come from a freshwater tropical
background where water changes are your saviour....reducing nitrates,
phosphates, docs and other nasties....has to be done....just a way of
life....but I am also very fascinated about finding the way to do this
naturally....in my freshwater tanks this is dead easy....just plant
everywhere and fertilise to promote the growth of the higher plant
species to get rid of algea (OK it isn't really that easy but it is
achievabale..) but water changes still play a big roll in this....now to
get a biotope working in a freshwater tank is quite a challenge as
well....Amano works towards doing this...and I know that there are
schools of thought that suggest that in a heavily planted tank gravel
vaccuming is a bad rather than a good thing.....

Now when it comes to water changes, and I am very much a newbie brought
up on the freshwater tank mentality.....I see gravel vacs in my 15 gall
Nano tank as a bad thing - afterall the whole thing balances on the
little critters living in my rocks and sand.....no way I want to suck
them up.....if my nitrates and phosphates are zero or only just dectable
then there is no need to change the water based on these readings....and
the Protein Skimmer is visibly doing its job.....but my corals are dying
and suffering, from what the process of elimination has determined, some
sort of toxins in the water then water changes is the only way to
go....if the tank was older than 10 weeks plus then I would look at
other issues...but even if the nitrogen cycle is complete this tank is
still developing (6 months down the line I hope I laugh at the traumas
I've had in the last 2 weeks - or at least be a little wiser)......and
rather hope I still have some corals living as a testament to my
learning process....

Failing all other measures....I will do water changes....and really I
get quite curious....if you are not doing water changes you are
obviously topping up the water to deal with evaporation....and this
might just be enough.....afterall it is still a slow and gentle water
change....and as far as I can see slow and gentle is the key.....

Would love to see pics of your tank

Gill