The Solution is Dilution

[Dave]

I thought this article was interesting.

http://www.reefs.org/library/article/t_brightbill_wc.html/view?searchterm=water%20changes

 

[Hawkeye]

interesting - so the author is recommending one larger water change a month rather than a small one every week?

 

[Dave]

Yes. He is basically saying small frequent water changes are not as useful as larger less frequent changes.

 

[vangvace]

I prefer this reefkeeping article on the same subject

At least because it was easier for me to read. :-[

 

[steamman]

Does anybody agree with that? How about the abrupt changes in water chemistry on your livestock. If you are just talking water quality and not including impact on your livestock than what is stated may be accurate. I am no chemist but any little adjustment I make to my tank and I now there is impact just by looking at the animals. Why would you shock them more than needed?

 

[blange3]

I think the first article just proves someone knows how to use a calculator.

Randy's article is much better.

I'm with Steamman, stability is much better. One shouldn't have to address wide swings in pollutants and drops in critcal elements.

I use 10% weekly water changes and kalwasser in my topoffs. Been working better for me than 25% monthly and daily supplementing that I used in the past.

 

[tydtran]

While it is true that a 50 gallon water change will get out more waste than five 10 gallon waters changes, I think the difference is not enough to make up for the disruption in water chemistry stability. Big swings can have a worse effect on fish and corals than absolute levels. I will stick to doing small volume, frequent water changes.