Water Change Questions

[JSFord]

When I do a water change, what do I take out of the tank? It seems like I would need to take the rock out in order to clean under it. Correct?

Can anyone point me to a good website with some really basic how tos? I am very new at this and dont want to screw up.

Thanks

[jwm32068]

My approach to water changes is to strive for the least stressful disturbance. Water should match temp,alk,ph and salinity. Try not to overdo. If you have detritus( fish poop) build-up under rocks jack up rock formations with small rocks etc to allow water flow to keep detritus in suspension untill it can be filtered out. Some of the best reading in my opinion is Bob Fenner's Conscientious Aquariast. He also has a website wetwebmedia..... more info than you could digest for a while. There is also a "ask the crew" section but do remember to research first and do CHECK YOUR GRAMMER. LOL You will see what I am talking about when you visit.My method of water changes involves taking out water and putting water in at the same time...I dont even shut my pumps off. Good luck Wade

[scoop]

You don't want to take out anything for a water change. Just use a turkey baster or a small powerhead to clean out under and around the rocks before you do a 10% to 20% water change. You should mix up the water a day or so in advance and get it to the same specific gravity and temperature as your tank, plus leave a powerhead in it overnight to get it ready. Then, after you clean out w/ ph or baster, just siphon the crud out and pour in te new water. Also, it is very important that you use ro/di water for your new water and your top-off water.

[JSFord]

What about using pre bottled natural sea water?

[Jnicho]

Originally Posted by JSFord

What about using pre bottled natural sea water?

Not worth the money IMO...aka gimmick...all good salt mixes have everything you need (except maybe lacking Ca, but you won't even need to worry about unless you start keeping animals that need it).

I agree with the above statements...don't mess with things in the tank anymore than you have to...I have my tank set up with very open rockwork and good flow. I don't have much trouble with detritus settling anywhere. I just siphon out water from the sump (vac the bottom if it looks like it needs it) then add new water back in. I rarely even touch the display tank when doing a WC.

[luvmylo]

Originally Posted by JSFord

Can anyone point me to a good website with some really basic how tos? I am very new at this and dont want to screw up.

Thanks

Well you've made it to that website=) I agree with all of the previous posts. Don't take anything out. Just blow off rock, syphon and refill

[JSFord]

I am reading a lot about people using a number of additives in their tanks. I currently have:

1 torch tip coarl
a small shell with two types of coral that I dont know the name of.
18 lbs live rock
Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
2 clowns
A number of hermits and snails

Is there anything I should be adding?

[Jnicho]

Originally Posted by JSFord

I am reading a lot about people using a number of additives in their tanks. I currently have:

1 torch tip coarl
a small shell with two types of coral that I dont know the name of.
18 lbs live rock
Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
2 clowns
A number of hermits and snails

Is there anything I should be adding?

With that list I would simply do a 10% water change once a week...that should be about all you need IMO.