eliminating water changes

[dfringu]

does anyonme know of a filtration process / syetm that eliminates water changes ?

 

[Deep Seven]

Basically you're doing weekly PWCs (partial water change) to remove built up nitrates. A filter like Aquaripure Nitrate Filter will remove nitrates without water changes, but they still recommend a PWC once every 3 months.

 

[dfringu]

yes. Not looking to be lazy. I am just interested in setting up as close to a complete filtration sytem as is possible.

 

[Deep Seven]

yeah, I think nitrates are the main reason to do water changes. Plants will remove some nitrates, and a deep sand bed allows anerobic bacteria to break nitrates down into nitrogen gas. I believe the aquapure provides conditions for the anerobic bacteria to remove the nitrates. You feed it sugar and/or alcohol weekly but it doesn't need to be cleaned.

* I don't have experience with this unit. It just seemed like one of the best options from my search results. The details on the unit come from their website.

 

[bavass]

Water changes are not just to lower or keep nitrates down. They are also for relenishing trace elements as well that is in your salt.

 

[melosu58]

There are many reasons for PWC`s but the main two have been covered. Diluting of excessive nutriets and addition of trace elements that are necessary for fish and coral processes. I personally would not go without PWC`s. Read this

Water Changes in Reef Aquaria by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

 

[StripesTheEel]

In my opinion you would be doing yourself a great disservice by trying to lessen or eliminate water changes.

Nothing and I mean nothing is better than replacing tank water with fresh salt water.

There would be so many things that our tank loses over time that we cannot test for that fresh SW replaces.

Don't risk it for the sake of a few hours work every few weeks.

 

[mrg02d]

In my opinion you would be doing yourself a great disservice by trying to lessen or eliminate water changes.

Nothing and I mean nothing is better than replacing tank water with fresh salt water.

There would be so many things that our tank loses over time that we cannot test for that fresh SW replaces.

Don't risk it for the sake of a few hours work every few weeks.

+1
Eliminating water changes is like eliminating fresh air. Nothing like fresh air to make your day better.

Matt

 

[Bige]

I think you could set up an automatic water change system. I have a friend that has a constant water change system. All on timers and works well. But he has more money and space than I do.