Originally Posted by ReefOcean (Post 688588)

I am talking about controlling contaminants, limiting bioload and dosing properly to suspend water changes and only do them occasionally.

Originally Posted by naesco (Post 688617)

Reefocean, that may be true,
But I agree with him,
Not you

Originally Posted by FragIt Dan (Post 688613)

I am still here :). I do regular water changes... ~40% every 3-6 months ;). I have also run the math, have a decent understanding of the mechanisms and physiology of coral reefs as they apply to non-conservative element consumption, as well as nutrient cycling and export. My systems are not closed... I supplement all non-conservative elements as well as foods and, to my knowledge, I am able to remove all waste products via my mechanical, biological and chemical filtration (if you know otherwise please let me know, I am learning new stuff everyday and always appreciate constructive criticism). In my case, as well as many others, my corals do better with regular water changes in my bare bottom setup every 3-6 months, not every 1-2 weeks (my dsb and crushed coral substrate tanks require more frequent water changes due to detritus buildup). I might be able to go longer, but do not wish to risk imbalances in elements for which I am unable to test. For the most part I observe changes in various species of corals for indications of problems. I used to do weekly water changes, but no longer feel it gives me the best results. I agree with the comment that water changes are part of 'Reefing 101', but for those of us who completed university, we took courses well beyond the 100 level and discovered our first year Profs often oversimplified things... you are welcome to continue to do long division while I am off running linear regressions (this is the part where I am poking some fun, but it is intended for humor. I have a great deal of respect for everyone and would hate to know I have offended any of you do please don't take me too seriously). You might have noticed I refer to my 3-6 month regiment as 'regular' ;). What if a Reefer did 5% water changes daily and told the 'bi-weekly water changers' that they were cheap and lazy? I bring this up to open debate, not to criticize anyone, and do so because i think there are knowledgable and passionate people following this thread that can offer some great ideas i hope to learn from. Again, I would really like to keep my participation friendly so please accept my apologies if I am offending anyone. I would love to have this conversation with you guys over a beer and would be happy to by the first round ('cause I'm not cheap ;)). Hopefully you are chuckling right now :).


FragIt Dan

Originally Posted by fishytime (Post 688621)

What exactly are you dosing?....... here is a short list of some of the minerals and elements that are not being replenished when you dont do regular water changes....Strontium, Bicarbonate, Borate, Bromide, Chloride, Iodide, Sulfate, Potassium, Sodium ,Cobalt, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Rubidium, Zinc

Originally Posted by fishytime (Post 688621)

What exactly are you dosing?....... here is a short list of some of the minerals and elements that are not being replenished when you dont do regular water changes....Strontium, Bicarbonate, Borate, Bromide, Chloride, Iodide, Sulfate, Potassium, Sodium ,Cobalt, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Rubidium, Zinc

Originally Posted by ReefOcean (Post 688628)

Brightwell reef building complex, brrightwell aquatics replenish and sometimes calcion at the moment

Originally Posted by fishytime (Post 688621)

What exactly are you dosing?....... here is a short list of some of the minerals and elements that are not being replenished when you dont do regular water changes....Strontium, Bicarbonate, Borate, Bromide, Chloride, Iodide, Sulfate, Potassium, Sodium ,Cobalt, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Rubidium, Zinc

Originally Posted by Aquaria (Post 688626)

But he already stated he does all his testing surely he tests and doses everything lol or thinks its added to salt mix for filler I mean who needs all those elements right