Do I need to do a water change?

GoBigGuy · Feb 2, 2015

So I've had my 180gal tank since the middle of November and have only done 1 water change, (20gal). I know that's not good but my prams have always checked out good so figured why should I do one. Tested the water again tonight and they still look pretty good:

Temp 79
Salinity 1.025
pH 8.10
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 10
Phosphate .11 ppm
Calcium 523 ppm
Alkalinity 6.832 dkH

Should I do a water change?

BigDaddyStar · Feb 2, 2015

This is the age old question...I have always been a believer of water changes are not necessary unless something you did merits one.

Most agree the opposite though I believe. Are they just trying to sell us salt?

I have decided to go with the flow lately and do weekly changes small amounts about 15%. Even though things are in check.

I do believe it is doing good.cant hurt right?

Greaser9999 · Feb 2, 2015

It depends on your livestock but I'm guessing it's still pretty light at this point correct?? Calcium a bit high though, water change could be a good idea

rcreef · Feb 2, 2015

Your phosphate is high water change will help and you could add gfo.

Ph needs to be about 8.3
phos at about .02

civicdemon · Feb 2, 2015

What test are you using, i found that API calcium test reads way high... i was reading 510 on API and then red sea was reading 400

GoBigGuy · Feb 3, 2015

civicdemon said:

I'm using a Hanna checker

acbaldwin · Feb 3, 2015

Part of the water change question is about the things we *aren't* testing for. Iron, trace, iodide, etc.
That said, my macro tank gets a water change only every few months, and that's just because of siphoning bad macros out.

GoBigGuy · Feb 3, 2015

I ended up doing about a 30gal water change today

Xaznkewlguyx · Feb 3, 2015

keep up the good habit.

Do I need to do a water change?

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