Attention all reef keepers who dont do water changes!!!

Obviously the idea of not having to mix up 25 gallons of water every few weeks and do a water change is a tempting idea.

But before i jump in...

i have a few questions... i know pack doesn't... pretty sure ocean doesnt and i know a bunch of you others dont...

1) What would you say the biggest keys to your success are?

2)cons?

3)What do you dose to replenish trace elements?

4) If you had one "most important piece of advice" for someone considering it, what would it be?

...For all of you who believe its "water changes or die" - please dont use this thread to voice your opinion about how its a bad idea. Not tryin to be a jerk - just keepin it real and thats not what im asking...

 

hey bud,

I don't do water changes really...only in dire situations. People always say that the "solution to pollution is dilution" which is true. To a certain extent

All I do is make sure my pH, Alk, Ca, Mg is all in check. I run carbon 24/7 along with a GFO too. I don't feed a lot (every 2 days). Just make sure your filtration is mint.

I use Coral-Vite for trace elements (idk if it really works. Got a bottle for free from a friend. sounds good in theory)

I know, my explanation is very watered down...but i'm trying to study for an exam and I told myself just ONE more post. Just one and this one happened to be it. I need to stop getting distracted!!!

 

I find you gotta really keep an eye on your feedings, that's my biggest thing, and I guess that's just as important even if you are doing changes. I am also lightly stocked so that is a big help.

 

k+ for responding instead of studying

Thanks,

 

I am trying the no WC theory at the moment (kinda). The last few months the only time I have changed any water is when I have added live stock. I will mix up 4 gals of SW. then drip acclimate new live stock up to 4 gals. then replace the drip water with the new SW. I havent seen any adverse affects at the moment. We will see what happens.

 

Two part is awsome, i jus check my levels and dose when needed, if im low on calcium ill dose it and so on and so on.....main thing to do is just make sure you stay on top of maintaining the levels....test alot, i test probably once a week

 

Yea i test them about once a week and everything is always where it needs to be. Dosing bionic right now, but gonna switch to BRS when i run out.

Im thinking i will upgrade my skimmer, add a carbon/GFO reactor and stop spending money on salt with WC all the time.

20 bucks on salt every month adds up over a few years

BTW - what the hell is my ALK supposed to be at? Everyone has told me something different. The last thing i heard was to dose it, and if it snows it doesnt need it. Mine usually tests betwn 2.5 and 3.5

 

I usually shoot for 8-10 dKH...I've heard people have it at 14dKH???

 

i keep mine at 11

 

First off you should be studying

Second isnt there two ways to measure it that are on different scales? Once mine was at 4 and the LFS (carib) lady freaked out like i was a fish killer.

The next week it was at 3.8 and she said its perfect your doing a great job. I laughed at her... she thought it was with her though