Water Change and Trace elements?

[SteveZ15]

How long does it take for trace elements to deplete in a reef? I been backing off on water changes and the corals seem to like less water changes in my system. If I change 2.5 gals a week after the second or so change it seems to bother the corals. If I wait like 3 weeks and change 2.5-5 gals I get a small growth spurt for a short time,but inbetween the 3 weeks the corals look better vs the every week change. I guess the stability of waiting longer makes the corals happy why do I see a growth spurt. The cal alk and mag are the same is it the trace elements or the removal of something that gives the growth boost? I have kept the same feeding schedule to try to keep the nutrients consistant.

 

[MikeC]

How long does it take for trace elements to deplete in a reef?

With everyone's tank being different the only way to know is by testing and that is assuming the test kit you decide to use are accurate

I been backing off on water changes and the corals seem to like less water changes in my system. If I change 2.5 gals a week after the second or so change it seems to bother the corals. If I wait like 3 weeks and change 2.5-5 gals I get a small growth spurt for a short time,but inbetween the 3 weeks the corals look better vs the every week change. I guess the stability of waiting longer makes the corals happy why do I see a growth spurt. The cal alk and mag are the same is it the trace elements or the removal of something that gives the growth boost? I have kept the same feeding schedule to try to keep the nutrients consistant.

It sounds to me like your learning to read your tank and realizing just because some people say you should do it this way or that way it is not always correct for YOUR setup
Keep up the good work and
Enjoy your happy corals!

 

[SteveZ15]

I am slowly getting the hang of it .I'm gonna get some Triton test and do one after a change and one 3weeks later. Thanks. I am at least enjoy ing the tank now its becoming fun instead of a chore and I am happy.