How often do you change your water

[rededteck]

I was reading a post regarding nitrates. I have a larger tank 220 gallons, essentially a reef with a number of fish. My nitrates remain at 10-20 ppm. I have no noticable issues except algae growth. I change my water every 3-4 months, approximately 30% change. My tank is going on 2 years in existence. I know my main issue is I did not start with a deep sand bed, hence I higher nitrate level.

Wondering how often people complete a water change.

[kevinpo]

I also have a larger system (625 gals) and change 70 gal every 2-3 weeks. Not for nitrates but to prevent other chemical (biological) buildup from the inhabitants. Soft corals and SPS to a lesser extent put off many chemicals that can yellow and degrade water quality. I have heard of many reefers who get by just fine with less frequent changes but over the last 6 years with several tanks this has worked very well for me.

Kevin

[Aragorn]

I do about a 20% water change on my tanks once pre month.

[RWD]

On my 300 reef I change 6 gal. twice a week so about 50 gal per month. Kevin is right on about chemicals building up in the water.

[setht]

I change between 8 and 10 gallons a week on my 120. I read some of these posts about people doing water changes once every month or two, and I am quite jelous. Although with the sump, and ro/di unit in the basement water changes are very easy.

I found this schedule works well for me, my water is clear, my corals are open wide, and my nuciance algaes are not a problem. (although right now they are a problem. I had a massive flatwork infestation die off, quickly followed by a hair algae outbreak, this too will pass in time with some due dillegence)

Find what works for your tank, and be consisent

[BlueWater]

I change 20% off my 10 gallon long every week.

My LFS has a 500 gallon reef, and they just add Ocean Water. Been
established 4 years. They have every hardware needed for a tank
accept a refugium.

[organicreefer]

i change 20-30%

[addicted2fish]

I change 10% every two weeks.

[Barry N.]

I do more small changes every few week rather that one big change once in awhile. Keep those trace elements going.

[golfish]

I change 30gal every two to three months in my 150.....

[vtec si]

I change 10-20% every other week in my 180!