When to water Change.

[Majenko]

So I am thinking of doing a water change in my tank. I keep sps and many other. I checked all my levels and everything is where it is supposed to be. Alk, Phos, Nitrate, Mag, Ph, and Calcium are all good.

Would there be any need to change the water if all levels are good, other than just a preventative maintenance purpose?

Alk: 8.3
Mag: 1350
Calcium: 440
Phos: Undetectable
Nitrate: <5

 

[MedicBMC]

When was the last time you did a water change? Even though your numbers look good you should account for possible build up of undesirable contaminants and DOC's. Those of which can't be skimmed or consumed by bacteria. I do a wc every week usually 10g sometimes 15 or 20g. I would do a water change....can't hurt.

 

[G-Tank]

Yes you do. The ocean gets water changes by evaporation and rain. Why shouldnt you?

 

[Wetdreads]

I'd say that's more like an ATO lol..

Although i do agree you should do regular water changes to replenish quite a few of the trace elements you didn't mention like iodine etc..

 

[5ft24]

+1 on the trace elements.
Since you can't test for them, and the corals etc utilize them, a regular water change is a good idea.

 

[ejanastacio]

Always do a water change even if your water levels are good.

 

[JOSE CASAS]

Water changes will really be different from tank to tank but as a preventive and replenishing what we cant test for is a good practice. Bio load is also a big factor as you want to dilute pollutants in the tank due to fish waste and feedings.

I have seen some awesome tanks and they dont practice regular water changes but they do dose trace elements and use tap water as it is not strip of any minerals and elements from the RODI.

I tend to practice regular water changes for preventive and dilution measures. Also to correct ionic unbalance. I think there are more benefits to changes some water in our enclosed glass box's than not. Hth

 

[sanechka2005]

Water change is the must!

 

[suvuong7]

how do you test for magnesium?

 

[happaman]

with a magnesium test kit