Water changes

Hello all! I'm curious about something. I've been doing fish tanks for a few years and finally stepped it up to salt water here in the past few months. I'm looking for information regarding the maintenance of a 75 w/ sump tank. This is a reef tank used for propagating coral and will have roughly 7 to 10 fish.

Secondly and more importanly, how often will i be doing water changes? I understand topping off with such an intense light will be a must but what about doing water changes. How often, how much? Are water changes prompted?

I'm hoping for several response with great detail given I'm still a noob! LOL

 

I've had mine up for a few months (fish only with live rock) and have yet to do a water change, although that's due to the fact that I don't have corals sucking nutrients out.

 

I'm a very big fan of regular partial water change. For more than just nutrient reduction or core replacement. But you don't know what all has gotten in the water. All my tanks have done best when I have done regular (weekly or bi weekly) small (10%) water changes.

 

Makes sense! Would you think that in a 75, 5 gal each week is legitimate or would you further suggest more?

 

I would suggest 10% when you are up to the full stocking level. If you have a large refuge with algae for nutrient export you may be able cut back to 5% weekly or do 10% every two weeks. Smaller changes more often seem to upset corals and sensitive fish less.

 

So i'm running a 20 long sump with Reef Octopus skimmer and a refuge below my DT. I assume this is a bit small in comparison to what your referring to as a "large refuge." I'm not going to run a huge bio load as this is going to be my "small business," where its going to be growing coral. As for the 10% changes or 5% changes this totally makes sense. It emulates the ocean where water comes and goes with replenished nutrients. I support this truly and I'm wondering if the only way to find out is to experience first hand a 5% change and see how things go? If this is the case what am I looking for? All signs?

 

Yes you will just need to experiment and see what works best for you. Seeing how your coral react is the best indicator.

 

Is there a particular coral that represents this best or do all of them react equally. By the way what are high demand corals? I'm looking to sell a lot of my frags and I'm interested in keeping a cool looking tank as well as providing great product. When I find the opportunity I'm also looking to start a sunburst nem espically since i know how much they can sell for. ;D

 

Are you looking to use this tank to make money selling frags?

 

Indeed I am! I'm not looking to subsidize my living but making money and hopefully paying my electric bill with all hopes!