Water Change

Here are a couple responses from other queries that may help further;

O.k. X, the problem (or lack of benefit) from doing small changes over a month is that those small changes become insignificant as far as a diluting effect. We really want to dilute (not to extreme) the existing tank water. Look at it this way, say you change the 4 gal. as you said, that calculates to about 18% which leaves 82% of the water unchanged. In 1 week (let alone 2) your water has has gone back to about 95% un-replenished. So, to use a term, you are spinning your wheels. Does that make sense to you? Many aquarists have a hard time understanding dilution. Let's say you go 4-5 weeks between changes (as many of us do) and then you change out a full 30% of your 26 gal. You then have changed about 8 gal. leaving only 16 gal. of un-replenished water or about 70%, so you are adding in 30% pure water with new minerals (from the salt mix) this is better than the insignificant amount of smaller more frequent changes. It may get confusing but the science is behind the fact that larger less frequent changes are the way to go.

Also........This was concerning Iodine but also includes other elements;

Respectfully.........I do not believe any salt mix can adequately sustain Iodine in the amount needed for tanks requiring it. If someone does monthly water changes, depending also on how much they change out, the slight amount of Iodine in a few gallons of new water will not significantly raise the Iodine to bring it to proper saturation usable by the creatures requiring it and sustain this for a month until the next change. Smaller weekly changes will do even less. To further prove this, if water changes could raise Iodine levels to any significance, everyone should be testing for Iodine. Is everyone? No, hardly anyone is. Who mixes a batch of water and then tests their tank for Iodine and the batch to make sure they aren't overdosing?
To burst a myth believed by many, water changes have their place but in no way contribute to over all water quality as much as the biological filtration of the tank and sustaining the elements required by supplementation when needed.

 

I personally do 25-30% weekly water changes. About 3 times a week. I feed fish and corals every other day and have seen great results. Growth has been outstanding.

 

heres whats up, i have only done 3 water changes in 9 months that ive had my 29g, the less water changes you do, the more cycled your tank is going to be, so only do a water change if necessary.

 

so many different opinions. i'm going to try the 10% every other week and stay on top of my water parameters. i guess it takes some time to find what is best for my tank.

@unclejed - iodine test kit is on the way!

 

20% every two weeks

 

Exactly, it does take time and getting to understand your tanks' needs. You'll find the correct "grove" or zone for your tanks particular needs. And, yes, the Iodine kit is a good idea especially if you need to dose.