Water Changes - Why Do It?

So just been thinking about this because on my saltwater tank I have NO FILTER and I have done NO WATER CHANGES since I set it up in September. Is this normal for reefers? Pic was taken today. Is it not possible to have enough liverock and enough of an ecological balance to never have to do a water change? Granted my livestock is low at two fish... but I would rather have low livestock and good ecological balance then having to change my water weekly/monthly. I know - this thread may be a burner, but I'm not planning on changing my water for at least another 6 months (until I upgrade). I just thought I'd throw the low maintenance idea out there to see the feedback. Tank is 27-30 gallon cube.

Mike

 

Many folks have pushed the 6 months, 1 year and further between water changes...
It's all about what you have set up.
I'd be interested to see a list of your water parameters.
Good circulation and plenty of LR and a very low bio-load will extend the time needed between water changes. You are not running a skimmer I take it?

Eventually the nitrates will creep up from the food your putting in and since you don't have macro alge (or skimmer to remove it before it decays) to remove it, you'll need to remove it with a water change.

 

Following

 

Are you dosing? And what are your param's, especially cal, mag and trates?

But generally there are 2 reasons, 1 to export nitrates, 2 to replenish trace elements that get used up by your corals.

Cool tank

 

I agree with Cosmo, if your not going to do water changes you should dose trace elements. It also depends on your bio load. I've heard of many people not doing water changes but they usually have a beast refuge and dose accordingly.

 

Its only a matter of time....

 

You have tons of algae in your tank and the coral really dont look that healthy sorry to say. As mentioned before water changes help restore trace elements and take out nitrates and phosphates if you have them in your water column

 

I dont see tons of algae. His two acros still have a little color, but I bet the stn before the 6 month mark. I had two small fish in a 46g and never did water changes and had way way worse algae.