Clear Advice – Exploring Reef Tank Water Changes.

Author:

As a lifelong aquarist, Yuliya has an endless curiosity about our underwater universe. After graduating with a bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering, she transformed her passion into a successful career. While working at the Institute of Environmental Protection in Moscow, her passion for saltwater and reef aquariums only increased. Moving to the United States in 2013, Yuliya embarked on another impactful journey by sharing her unprecedented experience for all aquarium hobbyists ... Read More.

Why Change Your Reef Tank Water?

In short, changing reef tank water keeps it aesthetically pleasing and healthy. In many ways, think of water changes like taking a shower, but less often. This process helps maintain optimum clarity in water while simultaneously keeping its environment clean.

I believe one of the biggest reasons why so many novice aquarists have conflicting views about water changes is because of industry advancements. For decades, aquarists relied on frequent water changes to keep the tank beautifully healthy. However, the invention of powerful filtration systems and effective filter media, such as GFO and Carbon has lowered the sense of urgency among this hobby.

Those who are new to maintaining an underwater universe may find advertising campaigns in conflict with reality. Yes, aquarium advancements have extended the duration needed between water changes, but it doesn’t eliminate this need altogether.

The biggest concern here is an imbalance. Much like nature, the health and vitality of your reef aquarium is influenced by balance. When a reef tank can’t export, or eliminate, chemical as fast as they’re imported, the potential for unsavory results increases.

So how much should you change reef tank water? Ask five different people and you can get five different results. Based upon my experience, and the expertise of my colleagues, the best reef tank water changing schedule is to change 10 to 15 percent of tank water every week.

Benefits of Incremental Reef Tank Water Changing.

I think one of the biggest hurdles any new aquarist faces is removing fact from fiction. For many years, I believed larger water changes worked best. Not only did it get rid of imbalanced water at one go, but I figured it’d save time doing this supposedly tedious chore. Oh boy, was I wrong.

Not only does weekly incremental water changing keep the task from becoming overwhelming, but it provides ample opportunity to check and maintain healthy nutrient compound levels. What’s cool about this methodology is its flexibility. Want to breakup the 10 to 15 percent water change over the course of a few days, sure, this is what I do in my nano tank - small, daily automatic water changes with Smart AWC.

Something worth noting is water change frequency is also based on tank characteristics. For example, a crowded, flourishing tank requires more frequent changes than a less-crowded tank. Ultimately, your ideal routine is an individual decision.

Eliminate Tank Pollutants.

Nobody wants to think of their aquarium as being the underwater pollution equivalent of a hot day along I-405 in Los Angeles. However, your tank attracts some potentially harmful nitrogenous pollutants. What are those, you may ask? They’re basically nitrogen compounds.

In general, your aquarium isn’t capable of processing nitrate compounds in an efficient, or speedy, manner. So what’s the harm in less-than optimal nitrate levels? Excessive levels pose a serious risk to tank inhabitants by making them vulnerable to disease, increasing stress and stunting development. This risk is even higher for reef tanks, as even relatively low nitrate levels can diminish reef health.

Flush Away Organic Waste Compounds.

Ever wondered what happens to all the organic matter that accumulates in your tank? Much like all organic matter on land, it decomposes. Unlike in nature, which features ample recycling and cleansing systems, the isolated nature of an aquarium means this decomposing organic matter is released, and trapped, in the water.

During the breakdown of organic matter, nitrogenous compounds, such as phosphate, are created. While there’s plenty of harm that can arise from excess phosphate levels, like slower corals growth, the most dangerous for saltwater reef aquariums is its influence on pH levels. Because these tanks thrive on stable pH levels, when pH drops its impact on your tank can be disastrous.

Restore Tank Health, Rejuvenate Tank Beauty.

While maintaining a healthy tank for its inhabitants should be your top priority, it just so happens, doing so also keeps it beautiful.

Perhaps the most noticeable benefit of water changes comes down to tank aesthetics. If your tank is filled with dingy, imbalanced water then it doesn’t matter how much effort you put into its design.

Are you noticing a particular stink coming from your aquarium? Does the water look discolored? If so, then ask yourself when the last time you changed its water is. Typically, the answer is not within the recent past. If you truly want to showcase, and enjoy, your tank then frequent water changes are necessary.

Of course, clean tanks do far more than simply boost its attractiveness. Reef tank inhabitants, such as corals and invertebrates, require proper light intensity to grow and maintain health. If your water is dingy, light penetration decreases.

While this may not be enough to cause immediate harm, eventually prolonged exposure to improper light intensity can take its toll on overall health and vibrancy. However, this unfortunate scenario can be completely avoided through regular water changes.

Can You Maintain Proper Trace Element Levels via Water Changes?

A few days ago, I was reading my favorite aquarist forum Reef2Reef and there was a passionate debate forming among its members. Not one to shy away from an impassioned dialogue, I began scrolling throughout its many posts. What was it about? Let me tell you.

The Great Water Change vs. Dosing Debate.

There’s a subjective debate echoing throughout the aquarium hobbyist community. On one side, some feel water changes are the ideal way to maintain trace element levels, specifically alkalinity, calcium and magnesium. Others strongly feel dosing the tank via measured supplements is the ideal methodology.

To say this is a sensitive topic would be an understatement. And in all fairness, both methods can achieve healthy trace element and essential mineral concentrations. But what do I personally think?

Throughout my experience, I’ve worked with a variety of tanks under all types of conditions. In this time, I’ve always felt dosing alkalinity, calcium and magnesium is the preferred method to establish and sustain proper levels. Because trace elements and essential minerals are paramount for a healthy reef tank, I’ve always felt a more hands-on approach is best.

Of course, that’s not to suggest water changes don’t play a vital role in trace element levels. As mentioned earlier, without routine water changes, the incoming chemicals, such as trace minerals, can outweigh the outgoing chemicals. This is a recipe for an unhealthy tank. By changing the water on a regular basis, you’re performing a vital chore for continued tank health.

What’s The Deal With Automatic Water Changing Devices? Are They Worth It?

One of the biggest downsides of technological innovations is seeing how much time you’ve spent doing a chore that can now be automated. But, this is only a fleeting thought.

Perhaps one of the coolest innovations to strike the aquarist industry is automatic water changers. While not necessarily new, the latest incarnations of this time-saving device utilize advanced digital technologies to keep water levels perfect. The best part? Your role is no longer operator of water changes, but rather, overseer.

One of the most notable issues with buying an automatic water changer is determining which is actually worth your money. While several products offer stellar performance, my personal recommendation is the Smart AWC Touch by AutoAqua.

Without going into to much detail, this device quickly rose in my rank due to its efficiency, usability and features. I think the most noteworthy features to point out is its controller and optic sensors. Manipulating its features and maintaining customized water levels is a breeze. If you’re looking for a capable, reliable and cost-effective automatic water changer, then I definitely suggest checking out Smart AWC Touch by AutoAqua review. Oh, did I forget to mention it also does automatic top offs?

Regardless of product, if you’re using an automatic water changer or no water changes at all, then I always recommend some type of sifting creature. Why? Because it’s like having a built-in sand cleaner. Sifters do just that, they rummage through sand eating leftover food, detritus and other items typically reserved for siphoning.

While there’s a good number of sifters out there, I tend to favor sifting starfishes, sifting goby and bumble bee snails. Think of these little critters as your full-time maintenance staff.

Bringing Clarity To Your Mind and Aquarium - Frequently Asked Questions.

There’s so many questions and so much information about tank water changes, I could write an encyclopedia. But who has time for that?

If you’re looking for answers to your most common, and not-so-common, water changing questions, then look no further!

Question: 

​What is the Balling Method and does it really eliminate the need for water changes?

Answer:

This question is quite popular among novice, and even experienced, aquarists. Let’s break it down into two answers. The Balling Method is like streamlined supplementation process designed to maintain optimum mineral and trace element levels. Precise concentrations of magnesium sulfate, magnesium chloride, sodium carbonate, calcium chloride and trace minerals are delivered in premixed solutions. For example, ATI Essentials (my personal favorite Balling Method product) delivers minerals via a 3 part system. So, it’s easy to see how the Balling Method streamlines reef tank supplementation, but what about water changes? Okay, so here’s the tricky part. Establishing a healthy reef tank without regular water changes is possible with the Balling Method. However, and this is incredibly important, to do so you must constantly test water parameters. As I tell all novice aquarists, just because something’s possible doesn’t mean it’s easy. What do I recommend? Well, my recommendation rests solely in how much time you’re willing to invest. Does the idea of constant water testing sound unappealing? If so, then the Balling Method may not be for you. However, if testing water parameters isn’t something you dread and you like to know as much as possible about your reef tank, then it may be worth investigating. Ultimately, the decision is yours. We run our RedSea REEFER 250 on ATI Essentials and we love it!

Question:

Can water changes help with algae growth?

Answer:

Absolutely! In fact, water changes are considered one of the most effective ways to help reduce and prevent algae growth. Why? Because it removes existing growth and helps maintain optimum nutrient levels for healthy inhabitants without promoting algae blooms.

Question:

Are water changes harmful for fish? What about frequent water changes?

Answer:

No. However, how you perform these changes can mean the difference between safe and happy fish or shocked and susceptible fish. Let’s say you forgot to change your water, which wouldn’t happen with an automatic water changer, for too long. You then decide to change a large quantity of water at once, well it's acceptable but not the best way to do it...

The problem comes down to sudden, and dramatic, water composition. Even when going from polluted water to pristine, if too much is changed the tank chemistry composition isn’t so fun for your precious sea creatures. However, if you follow the recommended 10 to 15 percent change every week, even the dingiest of tank can be safely transformed without harming fish or other creatures.

Question:

Is it necessary to siphon my sand bed?

Answer:

Generally, yes, siphoning sand beds keep unwanted compounds and debris from overloading the rest of your aquarium. If you find siphoning to be too much of a chore, then sifting creatures, such as a sand sifting goby, may be an ideal option for you. Siphoning a sand bed within a reef tank isn’t as complicated as you may think. Make sure when siphoning you may only need to clean the first layer or so of sand. Make sure your fish are secured away from the siphon and be careful when maneuvering around corals.

Essential Tank Maintenance Made Easy - Get In Touch.

While water changes may not be your ideal way to spend an afternoon, this relatively fast and easy process means the difference between a cloudy, unhealthy tank or one bursting with life and brilliance! 

by Yuliya Ivanova for ReefHacks.