Water changes for sw

[nicolea]

How often should your water be changed?
And is it changed in increments ?
What is the purpose of changing the water when you have filters and live rocks ?

 

[SaltwaterNuB]

What are your tanks specs? I have a 135g and try to do 30-40 gallons every 8-10 days. I was doing water changes every 3-5 days but my nitrites were off the charts. Now that I've spaced changes out my nitrites are perfect.

 

[Mrc8858]

Filters and live rocks purpose is to convert waste thru the nitrogen cycle to create nitrates. Nitrates need to be removed by water changes or by plants (anaerobic bacterias too but that is a bit of a complicated subject). Water changes will also replenish needed nutrients in the tank. I like to do 10% changes weekly but it really all depends on your system and its needs. No two tanks are alike even if using the same equipment and same livestock.