Are water changes still necessary if Nitrates are low?

[Dekz]

All of my tanks are so heavily planted that my Nitrates have a hard time getting higher than ~10. If all of my parameters are fine, is there any reason to do water changes?

 

[mgamer20o0]

yes i believe so. with nitrates we use them as a easy test for total dissolved solids. this is where the real problem lies. also when you are water changing your replacing trace minerals into the tank. all my planted tanks i still water change.

side note is there is a train of thought. westland ? did i get the spelling right type of natural set up. low stocking lots of plants and just top offs. i personally dont believe in it. there sure isnt harm doing water changes.

 

[Rikesh]

Water changes replenish the water in trace elements, needed for plants. + it helps in getting fish grow bigger(hormonal stuff)