am I doing water changes the right way?

[tim000]

I just wanted to make sure that I am doing my weekly h2o changes the right way. here is what I have and what I do; I have a 35g reef w/ a 29 gallon (about 23g of h20 in the sump)sump/refugium w/ 3 glass baffles, and in the center macro algae is growing above a 3" SB. right now I am doing 7g h2o changes weekly. all I do is mix up some salt water 24hrs before the change and then turn off my return pump, drain out 7g of h2o from the sump then add 7g of new salt water to the sump wait 4-5min and then turn on the return pump. for some reson I dont think this is right, so if someone could please help me out ASAP that would be great, thanks alot

 

[sillingw]

I don't see anything wrong, the only thing I would add is to make sure your new mix is a similar temp, SG and PH to the tank, and Why do you wait to turn on the main pump again, when the water change is done, turn it on, the shorter the time it's switched off, the better

 

[tim000]

my theroy was to let the new water sit w/ some of the sump water so they can mix a bit before the get pumped up to the main tank.

 

[VkeSu]

The new water should sit at least 24 hrs. before mixing into your tank (it will be completely dissolved and stirred by this time).
Are your nitrates high? Seems like a lot of water changing out (imo) I change out 7 gallons every other week in my 72 gallon reef. If it is working for you though..keep doing it I say.

 

[MandarinFish]

Sounds like you're doing everything right to me Timmah. Changing water through the sump is the smart way

Throw a powerhead in the new saltwater you're mixing to ensure maximum dissolve.

You might be a bit aggressive on the changes. I know your tank is new so it may be beneficial (or simply easier) to let things ride a bit. Of course after your angel loss, I see all the more reason why you'd keep the water extra clean.

I've read that a variety of reefers don't do changes, just top-offs. That's certainly my goal.

The macro algae and proportionately large sump are really good too.

 

[chris_h]

Since I have a large sump and the pump is not located near the top of the sump, I can do a water change without turning off my sump pump and skimmer. After I remove 10 gallons of tank water, I siphon ten gallons of new salt water into the sump with an air hose. It takes several hours to siphon the water in, so it does not shock anything, and I dont even have to worry about the temperature thing. I never disconect the tank from the sump, so it is easy.

I think that the slow adittion method is the best way to go for someone doing large regular water changes. I change 10 gallons a week on a 75+sump tank. Your method still adds all of the new tank water fairly quickley.