quick thought/ idea

[nycearnestchink]

so if we remove water to do water changes, is it possible to put that water we changed into a bucket with cheato in it ? outside with the suns growth ? to remove nitrates and phosphates , and then reuse the water for our dt tank

 

[medusala]

Water changes also replenishes trace elements. So removal of nitrates and phosphates is not the only reason to do water changes.

 

[ourcoralreef]

Water changes also replenishes trace elements. So removal of nitrates and phosphates is not the only reason to do water changes.

Agreed

and you are not exporting that many nutrients unless you are cleaning your sand debree usually settles or you can put it through a filter sock to remove it which you are doing anyway

 

[nycearnestchink]

oh i see thanks for the inputs, just trying to find ways to save right now ! , ourcorals any frags for sale since u are nearby , any spag worms any cheato

 

[ourcoralreef]

Sorry nothing for now working on a tank move so it might be a while

 

[IBernE]

But that's what a refugium does. If you took out the water and put chaeto in it you still have to put that same water back in. Just add a refugium ( water changes still recommended though). Ive been hearing of something called the triton method and I don't know how it works but it seems to be a way to NOT have to do water changes but it I think you still have to invest in trace elements etc. So you still have to spend some cash. Ive heard some guys on here never do water changes. Look around for those.

 

[samster]

Triton method is just lab work on samples of your water

 

[samster]

Seems like OP is trying to run system as cheap as possible doubt he would opt to spend money on the triton method.

 

[samster]

I can tell OP that NSW would be better than no water changes, and removal and renewal of old salt water to reuse isn't feesiable. I've seen and know of tanks where they have never done a water change just top off, skimmerless and over fed, no reactors and full of fish and softies and tanks seem to do just fine. What OP needs to do is find the right balance of his setup through time, by trial and error.

 

[IBernE]

The Triton lab/company is a lab that checks you water parameters and trace elements with lab grade accuracy. Yes. The triton Method is a way that increases the size of your refugium and acts as your primary method of nutrient export and eliminates water changes. So yea you still have to invest in trace elements so as I said and agree with you, you still have to spend the money but at least it's less work.

Triton Method
https://youtu.be/NWmjpqX8fy8