An article on water change

[gogol]

Most of us know the basic process, (all though I do use a powerhead to mix water, and I do so for 24 hours). But the reasoning behind keeping the parameters unchanged was really interesting. Also I think its time to buy a salinity refractometer.

http://www.reefland.com/forum/saltwater-fish-only-aquariums/22147-how-make-successful-water-change.html#post159585

 

[steamman]

That was some insightful reading. I didn't realize that these minute changes in water parameters can effect your animals in such dramatic ways.
The article recommended mixing for as much as a week for the chemical reactions to complete before adding to our tanks. How many of us can afford to take as much time in mixing as was suggested? I prepare my mixes at least 48hrs before I am satisfied the water can safely be added to the tank.
On the matching of ph and salinity I cannot read such minute difference with the equipment I currently own. I don't believe I am going to be the only one with that problem.
All being said here, I will be paying more attention to try to closely match the parameters of my tank when I do my water changes from now on.

 

[onefish2fish]

ebay has refractometers for cheap.

 

[gogol]

Yep I remembered your advice from our first meeting (clove polyps ) and checked out some refractometers and digital pH meters. Did you buy them from this seller ?

Refractometer:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Salinity-Refractometer-0-10-Salt-Water-Aquarium-ATC-A4_W0QQitemZ330348809590QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4cea52cd76&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

pH meter:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Digital-pH-Mete...hash=item35a2bd036b&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14[url]

 

[onefish2fish]

i dont remember who i got it from but im pretty sure it came from china. ;D

 

[Dave]

An interesting read. It would be nice if the poster had some actual studies to back the claims.

I am not saying they are wrong, but I have read so many articles, posts, etc. all claiming their way is "the correct way". Many of which contradict other's "right way".

I take these claims with a grain of salt.

 

[gogol]

i dont remember who i got it from but im pretty sure it came from china. ;D

Soon they will figure out how to make marine fish on a large scale and we would get package deals for a "school of yellow tangs" at Sam's Club. ;D

 

[ECFENCING]

I guess I'm really "messing" it up according to leebecca on reefland.com. Match ph within .05. I just check temp within a degree or two and salinity of course to match right on with a refractometer and ph within 0.1 not .05...If you are doing a 10% water change overall it's not going to make a big difference even if some of the parameters are off a bit

 

[steamman]

I should have done the math. You are right.

 

[ukman]

I purchased the same Refractometer from ebay and it is very well made and easy to use