No water charges?

[L/B Block]

I was for a bit doing infrequent water changes due to conservation reasons. Did it work? Yes but definitely slower growth in the SPS. LPS/softies didn’t mind.

Once I got my mini fridge up for auto dosing foods it became in essence automatic water change as I use SW to flush the line each time after. Then a doser removes about that amount. In short, .8 gallons a day for a totally monthly change of 30% after accounting for some new SW also being swapped out.

Def seeing faster SPS growth.

Not doing water changes may work -but I think for some types of coral more than others . Also if you are using 2 part such as sodium chloride and sodium carbonate or bicarbonate as source for alk/CA you may not want to go that route of no water changes-

I was/am using all for reef so ionization is not an issue.

 

[nash]

What is this zapping the tank proccess you describe, I've never heard of it beyond the zapping of aptasia. I doubt I would zap anything with my fish in it lol, but it does sound kinda interesting as you described it.

If u used same device on Sps if there are any unwanted AEFW they will move or release. Once my fish figured they wait to see if it’s a free meal. Just a quick zap or two and if u have any u will see them move.
Still lot of work.
Come to think about it I made my own with a 9 v battery and micro switch and leads. Just make sure everything is insulated only the tips exposed.
Remember the current ones between the two tips
So if you have it in the water on the both ends it will produce a shock throughout the tank, even though it would be mild because of the voltage.

 

[nash]

Water changes are essential for a successful tank IMO. The frequency is debatable. I do 10%+ weekly.

The objective is to remove unwanted stuff. Nothing more, nothing less.

Not doing them works perfectly fine until it does not

That’s what I used to believe to always have the dose calcium reactor running changing water.
But for first year, I sent in my water for testing every month and noticed there was hardly any decline . I kind of believe we overdose everything.
On the old week central site there were many people that ran their tanks 10+ years without any water, genius skimmers, etc.
There may be a point where it won’t need additional supplements.
Just my 2cents….lol

 

[Alexander1312]

That’s what I used to believe to always have the dose calcium reactor running changing water.
But for first year, I sent in my water for testing every month and noticed there was hardly any decline . I kind of believe we overdose everything.
On the old week central site there were many people that ran their tanks 10+ years without any water, genius skimmers, etc.
There may be a point where it won’t need additional supplements.
Just my 2cents….lol

It is a bit like referring to 90-year-olds who smoked all of their lives.

Can you run your tank without water changes, and ongoing trace supplementation etc - probably in some instances, but should you?

I also wonder if you really save time (and money) by not doing it. Higher livestock death rate, stronger supplementation required, potentially other additional supllmentation to reduce nutrients.

 

[jhuynh]

I've ran full sps dominate bare bottom tank with no water changes for over 4 years. ran carx and dosed red sea abcd trace elements with magnesium. I send out icp testing every quarter. never had issues until carx took a dump on me few months back.