Water Changes

[pisces]

Okay, still reading/researching all of this(I like to have things all planned out before I jump in :-D ). Water changes. Okay, I do these in my cichlid tank and have it down pat. When you do a water change in a salt, is it NOT okay to use aged tap? And if not, where do you get water, and how often do you do a water change? Also, what kind of water do you use for evaporation? I have electric heat and it is a huge problem with my cichlid tank in the winter. I am talking 2 to 3 gallons a week, maybe more. I have been studying the whole water chem thing(learned a lot), but need help with this water(the most important element in the tank!)thing. I have read a lot of conflicting stuff. So, okay you guys, what's the REAL deal? Help.

[Condiman]

Okay, still reading/researching all of this(I like to have things all planned out before I jump in :-D ).
Excellent I wish that everyone would do this before they start. I know it bit me in the but a few times and I have learned my lesson the hardway. :beatdown:


Water changes. Okay, I do these in my cichlid tank and have it down pat. When you do a water change in a salt, is it NOT okay to use aged tap? And if not, where do you get water, and how often do you do a water change? Also, what kind of water do you use for evaporation? I have electric heat and it is a huge problem with my cichlid tank in the winter. I am talking 2 to 3 gallons a week, maybe more. I have been studying the whole water chem thing(learned a lot), but need help with this water(the most important element in the tank!)thing. I have read a lot of conflicting stuff. So, okay you guys, what's the REAL deal? Help.

Since you have it down pat with your other tanks I do not think you will have any problems keepin up with them when you do your SW. Personally I do a 5% water change per week. As for the water to use the best to use would be RO/DI water this is also used for topoff. There are many different units out on the market. Everyone has there preferences, but gettin one of these units will save you alot of headaches down the road. Also for your top off it might be a bit more evaporation then your other tank. It depends on if you are lookin to go to a Reef Aquarium or a FO/FOWLR. There are topoff units on the market that will keep your water levels even.

[Telco Guy]

Ok, first off, what kind of saltwater tank are you planning on setting up? Fish Only (FO), Fish Only with Live Rock (FOWLR), or Reef (with Coral)? What size tank are you planning on setting up? Will you have a sump? If so, what size.

The reason that it is recommended to not use aged tap water for mixing your salt water and for top off water is that Coral is much more sensitive to certain trace elements that may be in tap water. For example, since most houses these days have copper pipes, then trace amounts of copper can be found in tap water. And, since only water (and not the trace elements found in it) is lost due to evaporation, this can eventually lead to leathal amounts of these elements building up over time in the tank.

As for where you get the water, most LFS (Local Fish Stores) are now selling RO (Reverse Osmosis) water. RO filtration give you almost pure H2O be removing 99% of impurities in the water. You can also purchase your own RO filtration unit. This nice thing about this is that you can also use this for drinking water. And, you don't have to run to the LFS every time you need water. They're not cheap, usually around $150, but over time can save you money. One of our sponsors, Aqua FX (http://www.aquariumwaterfilters.com/) specializes in these systems and could probably answer any questions you pay have. They have a forum here on CF in the Sponsors Forums (http://www.coralforum.com/index.php?c=8) area that you could ask your questions or you could contact them directly.

The real thing you need to consider when setting up a Saltwater Reef tank is the cost (and life) of your tank inhabitants. You will be spending a lot of money on these and so isn't it worth spending a little extra to make sure they stay healthy?

As for how often to do water changes, well, I think most people agree that weekly 5-10% water changes will keep a healthy tank, but it does depend on the size of the tank and how many inhabitants you have. And if you are having to feed these inhabitants, how much and how often. The more you feed, the more waste is produced and the more important will be the water changes.

Hope this helps.

[pisces]

Big help. You guys just answered a slew of questions. Size tank, not yet sure, but I was planning on starting with a FOWLR and as I gain more confidence, making it a reef. From everything I've read and seen posted here, that seemed the best way to go. Now, if I can just get over being so intimidated by the whole thing..... :lol:

[Condiman]

Once you get the fever it will never go away :badgrin: :badgrin: