water changes - - -

[XeniaGirl]

how often should I do a normal maintenance water change in my 12g reef tank? Also, how much water should I change out? All the readings for the water quality have been great, just didn't know what is the usual for water changes.

[Wettank]

I do 5 gallons a week in my 24 but i have no skimmer and 3 fish, on yours i would do 2 gallons a week or maybe one if your bioload is low

[Jflip2002]

I think thats fair, if not too much bioload, Id go 1-2 gallons every weekend

[XeniaGirl]

do you guys make your own water at home or do you buy it from the LFS?

[Wettank]

I make my own with RO water and Seachem salt

[Hardhead Cat]

Xenia girl, I bet you have great parents who would make RO water for you, if you just asked (Smile) - - I change out 4 gallons from the 12-gallon nano twice a month. Seems to work!

HHC

[XeniaGirl]

hardhead cat, you must not know my parents! heehee

[kyrie_eleison]

I change 1 gallon of water every other day on my 8 gallon. But, I'm an-al about my tanks.

[XeniaGirl]

I don't even have any fish right now so I think if I do 1-2 gallons every week or so then I should be ok.
Is it worth it to get your own RO water-making system, or drive about 30 minutes to get it at the LFS? I'm trying to decide... getting a house soon and am thinking about just learning how to make my own water, what equipment would be necessary, etc.

[dobejazz]

Originally Posted by XeniaGirl

I don't even have any fish right now so I think if I do 1-2 gallons every week or so then I should be ok.
Is it worth it to get your own RO water-making system, or drive about 30 minutes to get it at the LFS? I'm trying to decide... getting a house soon and am thinking about just learning how to make my own water, what equipment would be necessary, etc.

I would look into an RO/DI unit for the new place for sure. I used to buy RO/DI filtered bottled water at the grocery store and make my ASW before I got my RO/DI unit

[YLChik]

Originally Posted by dobejazz

I would look into an RO/DI unit for the new place for sure. I used to buy RO/DI filtered bottled water at the grocery store and make my ASW before I got my RO/DI unit

that's what I did too