Water Change Reuse

[MadReefer]

Since the seahorses thread is up and many good conversations something crossed my mind.
Why do we perform water changes? The answer I think depends if your tank is reef or fish only.
If a reef we want to have clean water, no nitrate, phosphate, ammonia and to replenish trace elements.
If fish only why can't we reuse that water to some extent. Here all we want is clean water: no nitrate, phosphate or ammonia. Couldn't we drain the water through a filter (sock or floss) and carbon. This would to some extent address the above reducing water changes in fish only instances.
Again just a thought and not researched by me.
Any opinions appreciated just trying start a dialogue here.

 

[Justin]

I'm no marine biologist but it makes sense to me. I don't think the fish are really absorbing any elements from the water? Maybe they are? I have no idea lol

 

[Sponge]

Having kept fish for many years. You are to some extent correct. Yes you can do LESS water changes. In a fish with no coral tank. For sure. However. Water changes are not just because of trace elements and nitrates and phosphate. And I can say without hesitation that any good fish keeper that knows there tank will tell you a water change always makes things better even if they can’t quantify exactly what’s better. Fish look better. Become more active. Water looks brighter. Any number of things. You just know things look better. Keep in mind that fish make lots of waste. And in coral tanks. A good amount of that waste is consumed by the coral. So there is a balance there. You take away the coral and you leave more waste. Now the same tank same fish same volume of water has more waste in it. Pushing the need to change water. You mention filter the water and reuse. I have traditionally doubled and tripled the filtration on fish only systems because of this with great results. What I mean is. Let’s say you have a 100 gallon tank. And the manufacturer says his canister filter is good for 120 gallons. Don’t believe it. It’s not. Get a canister that’s good for 200 gallons. And than install another filter. Like a trickle filter with Bio media. And so on. It has been my experience life is real simple in a fish only if you install the most filtration as possible AND still do occasional water changes. Please before anyone says that’s to much or it isn't necessary. All I am saying is. If you want to reduce effort and reduce water changes. It absolutely works. Of course under stocking the tank works best. But nobody does that. Fish grow and we love the tank full. So take this info with a grain of salt. And enjoy the fish. Just remember to test. Nitrates can go nuts in fish only as can PH.

 

[deepblue68]

I use the water from my reef tank water changes for my quarantine tank.

 

[NikkiT]

I had a nano FOWLER with inverts for about 15 years, from 91 - 2000, then 2006-2008. I always did water changes. For 10+ years, I did not have a skimmer- I relied on biological filtration and trickle filters. I did 10-15% water changes per week. It was a nano, but if I had not done the water changes, even with the best possible filtration products I would have killed the inverts, and likely the fish too.

 

[Paulie 069]

I had a nano FOWLER with inverts for about 15 years, from 91 - 2000, then 2006-2008. I always did water changes. For 10+ years, I did not have a skimmer- I relied on biological filtration and trickle filters. I did 10-15% water changes per week. It was a nano, but if I had not done the water changes, even with the best possible filtration products I would have killed the inverts, and likely the fish too.

I’m in the process of getting a 55gal tank going, at the time I have two 20gal tanks going. Anyway I wanted to fill big tank up and get running fast because I didn’t wanna do water change to the smaller tanks ( but they were getting very cloudy ) and I already had 75 gal of fresh ocean water sitting in my living room. My friend how is a professional aquarium care person ( if that’s what their called) for 25 years,, he told me to do a half change ( 10gal ) on each using the fresh water, and save the old water I take out and put ALL the Used water in my new bigger tank. He said the good bacteria would help get new tank moving along So I wasted no water, my 2 little tanks look great and I still have plenty for big tank. ( All my water comes from 10 miles offshore

 

[Sponge]

I’m in the process of getting a 55gal tank going, at the time I have two 20gal tanks going. Anyway I wanted to fill big tank up and get running fast because I didn’t wanna do water change to the smaller tanks ( but they were getting very cloudy ) and I already had 75 gal of fresh ocean water sitting in my living room. My friend how is a professional aquarium care person ( if that’s what their called) for 25 years,, he told me to do a half change ( 10gal ) on each using the fresh water, and save the old water I take out and put ALL the Used water in my new bigger tank. He said the good bacteria would help get new tank moving along So I wasted no water, my 2 little tanks look great and I still have plenty for big tank. ( All my water comes from 10 miles offshore

I am not a professional tank cleaner. But good bacteria in tank water is very minimal. The bacteria is on the gravel the rock and the glass and any surface free floating bacteria is very little. But the bad stuff you are trying to get rid of, That’s in the water. So that advice is just a little odd. Unless the goal is to start cycling the big tank in that case the dirty water will have nitrifying bacteria And waste that will help speed the cycle. How much water do you carry from 10 miles out. How often. Do you take buckets on your boat and take a little all the time and collect it. It’s really cool that you can use sea water, I like that. But suddenly I feel real lazy not liking to Cary water from my sink to the tanks hahaha

 

[MadReefer]

I am not a professional tank cleaner. But good bacteria in tank water is very minimal. The bacteria is on the gravel the rock and the glass and any surface free floating bacteria is very little. But the bad stuff you are trying to get rid of, That’s in the water. So that advice is just a little odd. Unless the goal is to start cycling the big tank in that case the dirty water will have nitrifying bacteria And waste that will help speed the cycle. How much water do you carry from 10 miles out. How often. Do you take buckets on your boat and take a little all the time and collect it. It’s really cool that you can use sea water, I like that. But suddenly I feel real lazy not liking to Cary water from my sink to the tanks hahaha

Was about to post similar.

 

[deetu]

I have a FOWLR and I do 10% weekly water changes mainly because I know I overfeed It is an AIO tank so water goes thru filter media and charcoal on a regular basis. I change the media every week with the water change.
I also have macros that help with keeping the tank good. (but did have mini crash from PraziPro)

 

[Paulie 069]

I am not a professional tank cleaner. But good bacteria in tank water is very minimal. The bacteria is on the gravel the rock and the glass and any surface free floating bacteria is very little. But the bad stuff you are trying to get rid of, That’s in the water. So that advice is just a little odd. Unless the goal is to start cycling the big tank in that case the dirty water will have nitrifying bacteria And waste that will help speed the cycle. How much water do you carry from 10 miles out. How often. Do you take buckets on your boat and take a little all the time and collect it. It’s really cool that you can use sea water, I like that. But suddenly I feel real lazy not liking to Cary water from my sink to the tanks hahaha

Several people have told me it’s a good idea to use the old water cause it’s only 20 gal and system takes 75 gallon 55 main 20 refugium. And I get water all at once, it’s only been 20 gal at a time because I have 20gal tank. This is my first large tank so I now have 16 five gallon buckets that are sterile and ONLY used for sea water and I got it all at once,, I’m allowed to take the boat out anytime I need to. Boss trust me isn’t it the prettiest water you’ve ever seen

 

[Sponge]

I think it’s awesome that you can collect water this way. Personally. I would be concerned about the water quality. But I would have no idea what that even is. Do you find the quality of New Jersey water out there that good. Like no oil or diesel. Or whatever may be floating in it. It’s just that the news makes it seem we are crazy to even swim in it. But the news sensationalizes everything. I suppose the answer is in long time success. How long have you done this method without any Errant side effects. Believe me this is in no way some sort of poke. I am really super curious about the water quality out there and would be super stoked to hear that only fifty miles out, the water is that consistently clear and clean. Even though on shore you can barely see your feet in three feet of water and there is scum on the surface with mystery objects floating by

 

[diana a]

I have gone to Sandy Hook and collected water at the shoreline. Didn't have any problems. You just need to run it through a filter first to clean it up. When I was doing it, my tank was healthier. The only problem with Sandy Hook is the distance I had to carry the (4) 5 gallon jugs. Not so bad walking with it on pavement but carrying it across the sand was a pita

 

[Paulie 069]

I think it’s awesome that you can collect water this way. Personally. I would be concerned about the water quality. But I would have no idea what that even is. Do you find the quality of New Jersey water out there that good. Like no oil or diesel. Or whatever may be floating in it. It’s just that the news makes it seem we are crazy to even swim in it. But the news sensationalizes everything. I suppose the answer is in long time success. How long have you done this method without any Errant side effects. Believe me this is in no way some sort of poke. I am really super curious about the water quality out there and would be super stoked to hear that only fifty miles out, the water is that consistently clear and clean. Even though on shore you can barely see your feet in three feet of water and there is scum on the surface with mystery objects floating by

The reason I get all my water from offshore is because of the things you listed in your question such as fuel spills of diesel oil garbage debris the water clarity that’s why I prefer to be at least 5 miles offshore but 10 miles is my go to place for some of the nicest water in my area it is so clear that you can see at least 20 feet down this is the way I have been doing it for almost 2 years now And have had minimal problems

 

[Paulie 069]

I have gone to Sandy Hook and collected water at the shoreline. Didn't have any problems. You just need to run it through a filter first to clean it up. When I was doing it, my tank was healthier. The only problem with Sandy Hook is the distance I had to carry the (4) 5 gallon jugs. Not so bad walking with it on pavement but carrying it across the sand was a pita

Sandy Hook used to be my backyard that is the area I grew up and spent my teenage years jumping off of that bridge a nice little 35 to 40 foot drop

 

[Sponge]

Hahaha I have jumped off that bridge. “Memories”. This sure water collecting you are all talking about is so interesting. And seems like an amazing way to go. But truth is. I am really spoiled with water changes and not carrying anything anymore that I’m certain I would not be consistent. I guess I’m a little more lazy than I realized. But keep it up. If the water is chemically safe I’m sure its free and better than any bucket I can but. I love what you all are doing.

 

[diana a]

I stopped collecting at the beach. I got lazy. If there was a spot to drop a pump and fill in car, i would do it all the time

 

[Sponge]

I stopped collecting at the beach. I got lazy. If there was a spot to drop a pump and fill in car, i would do it all the time

What a great business idea if I lived on the beach. I’d run a 200 foot hose out there and sell salt water cheap. You could pull up and pay at the pump Hahahaha

 

[MadReefer]

Someone in the club would haul water from the bay, place it in a large barrel and keep it in the dark for 30 days while circulating. Then add a 6" platform to place pump on in the container for the water change. The raised pump would prevent the garbage from getting in the tank.

 

[MadReefer]

That was a good discussion.
I agree if only changing water no real value in reuse.
However, what if you clean the sand bed during a WC?
Will that make a difference in reducing nitrate, phosphate, ammonia?

 

[Sponge]

That was a good discussion.
I agree if only changing water no real value in reuse.
However, what if you clean the sand bed during a WC?
Will that make a difference in reducing nitrate, phosphate, ammonia?

Any time you clean you reduce. So yup for sure