water change vs. no water change pics.

[tetra]

I keep hearing about this debate, so let see some proof. Can we have some pics. of tanks with water change(often) versus no water change pics.

 

[tetra]

Anyone?

 

[davelin315]

Go to my website. I haven't done a water change in probably close to a year (and probably only changed 75% of the water over the past 3 years total). My tank is doing fine, and soft corals are propagating, sps are doing well (birds nest is growing quickly), clams are growing, and fish and inverts are doing well, and "project" corals are regenerating.

My Web Page

 

[tetra]

I am there..I've been changing water routinely and kinda tired of it. Before I stop, I like some proof that it is o.k. not to change so often. Thanx for the reply.

 

[davelin315]

I think it's okay to not change that often, but the merits of changing the water regularly are certainly there. I just think it's okay to not do it all the time if you have a nice balance in your tank and you don't overfeed.

 

[tetra]

here is mine with current 8% water change to rid of the red slime.

 

[KenH]

I have kept tanks with little to no water change and with significant water changes.

My observations have been that it is entirely possible to keep tanks with minimal water changes, but over time the vitality of the system starts to go downhill. It can be hard to notice, but after about a year things just don't look as spunky as they did before, growth slows, etc.

For those who have been keeping tanks for a significant period of time without water change and think it is optimal, you might try doing a 10-25% water change and see if you notice a difference in your specimens appearance. If you don't, the water change apparently did not have any signficant affect, if you do notice the specimens perk up, then that is an indication that you are keeping your tank in less than optimal condition.

For the record, I currently do about a 5% water change a week on my tanks.

--- Ken

 

[mariner]

I change about 10% of my water once a month. It only takes about 15 minutes and gives my inhabitats a month of happiness.

 

[EmilyB]

15-20% every two weeks, no additives ever in 2 plus years.
http://www.members.home.net/d.hadford/72gPreMove