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The Importance of frequent water changes-
In the ocean, our reefs receive a fresh supply of water every single moment, however the bacteria and water
chemistry is balanced. Although this is impossible to recreate in a captured home aquarium, the burden falls
on the hobbyist to monitor water parameters weekly (if not daily), and complete small incremental water
changes. The debate as to what percentage of water should be changed, and how many times a month, is
widely discussed. We believe that- "the solution is dilution". In other words, the burden is on us to perform
what Mother Nature can not do for us. If we stick to a good water change schedule, your marine aquarium will
be healthier and rewarding. Never use tap water for water changes, or to top-off your aquarium. We
recommend 10% - 20% percent weekly or bi-weekly (depending on the size of the aquarium - smaller tanks
10% - larger tanks - 20%). Most hobbyists practice a water change only once each month, however sooner or
later they face problems such as spikes in nitrates and phosphates (and other water parameter issues).
Hobbyist Behaviors-
The typical hobbyist expects to have a clean, healthy, and disease free aquarium. Keep in mind the old saying-
"No pain, no gain". Without completing a weekly, or bi-weekly water change, your chances of higher levels of
nitrates and phosphates increase. If you feed more than once a day, the residual effects (higher phosphates)
from preservatives in most foods, will cause unsettling and negative water reactions. In affect, your fish, corals,
and invertebrates will feel it! You will notice that the coloration of your fish has declined, as well as their overall
health. This is when fish are prone to disease. Your corals will start to close and recede, and your
invertebrates will start to die.
Large Water Changes-
This isn't opinion based. Large water changes pose an extreme risk to a reef aquarium. When a large water
change - 50% or more is completed, residual effects will occur. The engine within your marine aquarium is
your live rock and filtration system. Although a fresh supply of new saltwater is beneficial, a large water change
will remove a great deal of beneficial bacteria needed to maintain the biological cycle, and keep your water
parameters up to par. This is why we also recommend adding bacteria weekly, and/or when you complete a
water change. Another negative effect when completing large water changes, is a direct reflection on your
livestock. Fish, coral, and invertebrates will experience negative reactions. Yes, hobbyists have gotten away
with completing large water changes, however why risk the health of your aquarium?
Hobbyists with a fish-only aquarium (with limited amount of Live Rock) still need to maintain appropriate water
chemistry by frequent monitoring, frequent water changes, and bacteria addition.
In the ocean, our reefs receive a fresh supply of water every single moment, however the bacteria and water
chemistry is balanced. Although this is impossible to recreate in a captured home aquarium, the burden falls
on the hobbyist to monitor water parameters weekly (if not daily), and complete small incremental water
changes. The debate as to what percentage of water should be changed, and how many times a month, is
widely discussed. We believe that- "the solution is dilution". In other words, the burden is on us to perform
what Mother Nature can not do for us. If we stick to a good water change schedule, your marine aquarium will
be healthier and rewarding. Never use tap water for water changes, or to top-off your aquarium. We
recommend 10% - 20% percent weekly or bi-weekly (depending on the size of the aquarium - smaller tanks
10% - larger tanks - 20%). Most hobbyists practice a water change only once each month, however sooner or
later they face problems such as spikes in nitrates and phosphates (and other water parameter issues).
Hobbyist Behaviors-
The typical hobbyist expects to have a clean, healthy, and disease free aquarium. Keep in mind the old saying-
"No pain, no gain". Without completing a weekly, or bi-weekly water change, your chances of higher levels of
nitrates and phosphates increase. If you feed more than once a day, the residual effects (higher phosphates)
from preservatives in most foods, will cause unsettling and negative water reactions. In affect, your fish, corals,
and invertebrates will feel it! You will notice that the coloration of your fish has declined, as well as their overall
health. This is when fish are prone to disease. Your corals will start to close and recede, and your
invertebrates will start to die.
Large Water Changes-
This isn't opinion based. Large water changes pose an extreme risk to a reef aquarium. When a large water
change - 50% or more is completed, residual effects will occur. The engine within your marine aquarium is
your live rock and filtration system. Although a fresh supply of new saltwater is beneficial, a large water change
will remove a great deal of beneficial bacteria needed to maintain the biological cycle, and keep your water
parameters up to par. This is why we also recommend adding bacteria weekly, and/or when you complete a
water change. Another negative effect when completing large water changes, is a direct reflection on your
livestock. Fish, coral, and invertebrates will experience negative reactions. Yes, hobbyists have gotten away
with completing large water changes, however why risk the health of your aquarium?
Hobbyists with a fish-only aquarium (with limited amount of Live Rock) still need to maintain appropriate water
chemistry by frequent monitoring, frequent water changes, and bacteria addition.
Water Changes
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