What Are Water Changes and Why Are They Important?
In these last two years I have done more experiments than enjoying the aquarium as usual. One of these experiments was born in order to be able to understand if the water changes are really necessary. For this experiment I set up two identical tanks. However, same size, same tools, same in all respects including same animals!
They are practically identical (except in the fact that I made all the water changes in one, but not the other of them).
And also on the basis of this test I can conclude that performing water exchanges is required.
Water exchanges consist in the elimination of a part of the aquarium water and the substitution of it with clean saltwater. There are several reasons why water changes are important for the health of a reef aquarium:
1. Nutrient Removal: Over time, organic waste products such as uneaten food, fish waste, and decaying plant material can accumulate in the aquarium water, leading to an excess of nutrients. These excess nutrients support the proliferation of undesirable bacteria and algae, in turn producing poor quality water that may be harmful to the residents of the aquarium. Periodic water changes can be used to minimize the build up of these excess nutrients before they can become a problem.
2. Trace Element Replenishment: Although saltwater contains a plethora of beneficial trace elements, which are indispensable for the welfare of reef aquarium animals, these trace elements can also become depleted with time. Regular water changes help to replenish these trace elements, ensuring that the aquarium environment remains stable and healthy.
3. pH and Alkalinity Stability: Water pH and alkalinity are two of the most important parameters affecting the health of reef aquarium fauna. If not replaced on a regular basis, these concentrations can vary, resulting in stress for the aquaria residents, and/or illness and death.
4. Dilution of Harmful Substances: Despite the finest filtration systems, toxic materials e.g., heavy metals and pollutants can build up in the aquarium water over an extended period. Routine water changes are used to wash these out of the aquarium and also to keep the aquarium as a safe and healthy environment.
How Often Should Water Changes Be Performed?
The number of times an aquarium will have water changes will be dependant on the size of the aquarium, the number and kind of animals housed, and the type of filtering system used. In general, reef aquariums should have a water change done at least a month, if not weekly. In certain aquariums there may be need to change water more often, whereas in other aquariums longer intervals between changes are possible. Regularly monitoring the water quality of the aquarium and changing the amount of water needed to be adjusted based on the experience levels of the aquarist.
Conclusion
Water changes are also an important component in the establishment of a healthy and stable reef aquarium environment. Through removal excess nutrients, replenishing trace elements and keeping the water chemistry stable, aquarium water changes are directed to both prevent disease, and to promote long-term aquarium survival. Regular water changes, performed at least once a month, are recommended for all reef aquariums.
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