Water change routine

[BarbMazz]

I'm beginning to understand that water changes are Very Important for reef tank health. I see that 10% water changes seem to be the norm for routine maintenance. Doing a little feeble mental math, I come up with 5.5 gallons of change for a 55gallon setup.

Or, do I include the amount in the sump/refugium tank as well? See, as I go along new questions spring into mind. It seems logical that I am to add the amount of water in the fuge so that the water change would be for the entire water volume. So, if I have a 20g refugium that has maybe 15g in it my water volume would be 70g, or a 10% water change amount of 7g. Is this right?

Please explain how a water change is accomplished. I'm talking the actual physical mechanics of taking water out of the display/fuge tanks, and how to mix and introduce the new water into the tanks. Please assume that I know nothing (because that would be true! )

Please and thanks for stepping me through the process!

[blue_eyes53813]

HI Barb, Yes you should count all water volume including sump,fuge and tank,
10% weekly or every other week is a good plan.

Water changes are pretty simple. Supplies you may need or that will help a lot.
1.Container(rubbermaid with lid are good) that will hold the volume of water for changes. A bigger container will be best in case you ever have to do large water changes for some reason.
2.powerhead
3heater
4 salt-of course
5. Ro water is best.
6. tank vacuum helps tons but not mandatory. If you have a sink close to the tank the ones that start suction by hooking it to the sink and turning on the water are awesome
6 1/2. lol Any other container like a piture to remove water from the tank.


Add clean fresh water to rubbermaid container, I always do extra in case you accidentally take out to much water from the tank. Always add water to container first.. Put in heater and power heads . Add salt -1/2 cup per gallon of water in container. Mix with power head for 24 hours or longer. Never just mix and pour. Test salinity and temp before doing water changes. Should match as closely as possible to main tank levels,

When new saltwater is ready, Remove saltwater from main tank via pitture or vacuum. The first few water changes is a guessing game, I always marked on the outside of the tank with a permanent marker where the water line would be when you removed 7 gallons or so. Just make a little line at the back corner of the tank.

You can take the water out of sump or fuge and add it back in there too. Whatever is easier. Always check equipment and make sure none are out of the water after you remove the 7 gallons.

Put the freshly made saltwater back in the tank. Always check salinty and temp after water changes are done to make sure there isnt a big swing . If the new water was close there shouldnt be a change at all. Good luck

[BarbMazz]

Originally Posted by blue_eyes53813

HI Barb, Yes you should count all water volume including sump,fuge and tank,
10% weekly or every other week is a good plan.

Water changes are pretty simple. Supplies you may need or that will help a lot.
1.Container(rubbermaid with lid are good) that will hold the volume of water for changes. A bigger container will be best in case you ever have to do large water changes for some reason.
2.powerhead
3heater
4 salt-of course
5. Ro water is best.
6. tank vacuum helps tons but not mandatory. If you have a sink close to the tank the ones that start suction by hooking it to the sink and turning on the water are awesome
6 1/2. lol Any other container like a piture to remove water from the tank.


Add clean fresh water to rubbermaid container, I always do extra in case you accidentally take out to much water from the tank. Always add water to container first.. Put in heater and power heads . Add salt -1/2 cup per gallon of water in container. Mix with power head for 24 hours or longer. Never just mix and poor. Test salinity and temp before doing water changes. Should match as closely as possible to main tank levels,

When new saltwater is ready, Remove saltwater from main tank via pitture or vacuum. The first few water changes is a guessing game, I always marked on the outside of the tank with a permanent marker where the water line would be when you removed 7 gallons or so. Just make a little line at the back corner of the tank.

You can take the water out of sump or fuge and add it back in there too. Whatever is easier. Always check equipment and make sure none are out of the water after you remove the 7 gallons.

Put the freshly made saltwater back in the tank. Always check salinty and temp after water changes are done to make sure there isnt a big swing . If the new water was close there shouldnt be a change at all. Good luck

Hi, Vicki, and thanks... this is exactly what I was looking for. I think I'm going to start building a binder with this stuff. It will be easier to remember everything if I have a self-made reference book, I think!
Barb

[framerguy]

I think I'm going to start building a binder with this stuff. It will be easier to remember everything

Yes it will, I've got one too.

I change my water from my sump. And to vaccuum I use an actual vaccuum, a small shopvac that work great for getting gunk out of the bottom of the sump. Vicki nailed the rest of it.