waterchange routine

[davejnz]

I know its often said that water changes are the best way to keep nutrients down/trace elements constant.I was lazy at times,only doing the once a month thing in my 30,but recently i've been doing 25% per wk in my SPS tank and i'm very pleased with the results.Growth has started to take off.In my LPS tank,I was even lazier,didn't change water for 3 months and when i did only 15% every couple months.Lately,I've been doing 25% every 2 wks and its amazing how much more my corals expand.I think i'm now a firm believer in the importance of a water change.
So,whats your guys/gals water change routine?

[Reptoreef]

Was 25% monthly... haven't done a change for 3 months and all is just as when I was performing more water changes, maybe even better... in fact, I now feed daily(for the fish) and every other night for the corals. Before, I was only feeding 3x's per week for both at the same time.

[davejnz]

I've always been a heavy feeder,just cant resist passing by my clowns without offering them something.The fish get fed at least twice daily and corals get fed 5 times a week.

[peregrinus]

i do 5 gals a month if i remember.. if not it can go to or 3 months before i remember.

[Whoyah]

I have been trying to get better and do once every two weeks. I do 6 for my 75. I would like to do more but water changes seem to tweak out my sump return pump. I did a change yesterday afternoon. I am still out of whack tonight. The level fluctuates in the return area and I get a big burst of bubble for about 1 second about every minute. Very annoying. I try to be patient. General it balances out but this time seems to be different. Stupid thing. :-?

[jerryc]

5 gals ever 2 weeks will most of the time.

[Grandmaster_Toad]

6 gallons every 2 weeks is my schedule. Not taking into consideration Evaporation top off.

[Grandmaster_Toad]

I The level fluctuates in the return area and I get a big burst of bubble for about 1 second about every minute. Very annoying. I try to be patient. General it balances out but this time seems to be different. Stupid thing. :-?

Just out of curiousity....do you use an auto top off float? I thought it was a waste of money at first .... but wow do i like it. My sump never goes dry when im doing a H2O change. My top off float turns on reserve/top off water and keeps sump full.

I found it also helps to not be so much of a shock adding new water with new salt and additives, because its a small amount being put in at a time.

There is a guy in MN, that makes the float for a good price if you need one I can send you an email address.

GT

[davejnz]

inreef.com sells them for like $12,I use them in both of my tanks