"bo0ger1" .@. wrote in :
That's what makes this thread so sad. If you understood why water
changes were not needed (at the biological level) you would
understand how really simple (not rocket science) this topic is.

atomweaver wrote on Wed, 29 Nov 2006:
Please expand on this idea. I want to understand, at the biological
level, why water changes are not needed. Take me through it, step by
step, please.

Again. I am pretty sure we have been through this already. Ammonia
--- nitrite----nitrate----N2(g) + H2O. (Enzymatic conditions via
bacteria.)

That's it? That's what you think people here _don't_ grasp? Good grief,
bo0ger, _everyone_ with a reef tank understands at least that much of the
nitrogen cycle.

Agreed. Bo0ger1, at the very least you should acknowledge that there is more
to marine organic chemistry than merely the nitrogen cycle. While that's the
major toxin to worry about in marine aquaria, it isn't the only one. Even if
you don't need water changes to dispose of ammonia (a big if), please address
the remaining concerns of people who DO support water changes. Specifically:
1. Export of toxins BESIDES the nitrogen cycle (for example, deliberately
generated toxins due to chemical warfare between adjacent corals);
2. Import of (possibly unknown) trace elements that get used up over time.

Besides possibly helping with ammonia, water changes are intended to assist
with these other two points. Please address how you account for them in your
recommended no-water-change approach.

-- Don
__________________________________________________ _____________________________
Don Geddis http://reef.geddis.org/
Bigamy is having one husband or wife too many. Monogamy is the same.