To change, or not to change?

Starry · #1 02-07-2008, 02:04 AM

I should be able to use tap water salt mix right? Doesnt have to be RO? (own unit will be next purchase) Would 50% weekly be over kill, or 5-10% every second day be better?

Aquattro · #2 02-07-2008, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starry

I should be able to use tap water salt mix right? Doesnt have to be RO?

ya, I'd use tap water without too much concern. I'd also test and when NH3 got above 1.5 ppm, I'd change half the water.

Myka · #3 02-07-2008, 03:59 AM

I do 100% waterchange if Ammonia goes to 2 or more, otherwise I don't do waterchanges at all. I wouldn't use tap water, the rock can and will absorb all sorts of crap out of it which will then be leached into your tank later.

Starry · #4 02-08-2008, 04:18 AM

Just did a water change on that rock and re-scrubbed it. Also got a mouthfull, taste MIGHT go away in a day or two. Must be the rotting clam I cant get to that tastes so bad. <gag> I dont think anything will be alive when its done curing, maybe some coraline thad be it. Pitty too cause there is some really big encrusting corals on it

marie · #5 02-08-2008, 05:21 AM

I changed out 10g of water twice a day (in a 75g tank) for 2 weeks when I cured my live rock.
My theory being that the rock has the necessary bacteria already on it, my job was to keep as many of the critters alive as possible. The nitrates started to drop after 2 weeks so it didn't prolong the cycle and at the end of it I had numerous snails, chitons and urchins.

Oh and i just used tap water until the cycle finished and then did a 100% water change with ro water