I understand that it can be better in a tank with no added CO2 to NOT carry out regular water changes.
I think this is because 1/tap water can contain high CO2 and the fluctuating levels can contribute to an algae outbreak. 2/ growth rates are much slower so the filter and plants 'break down all nasties' to the point that water changes are not needed. For simplicity lets assume there is no nitrate,phosphate, potassium, etc buildup from dry ferts or the like.
So up for discussion is...
Is my understanding correct? Are WC's really not needed, or just not needed as frequently.
and...
Has the idea of letting tap water sit for some time (how long 2hours, 2 days?) so that the CO2 dissipates, then adding it to the tank been considered. That way fluctuating CO2 levels ceases to become an issue :!:
I have been going without water changes for a couple of months and all is going great (still dosing dry ferts albeit 5x less, growth has slowed right down but plants are doing well - some better, some worse! Most interestingly fish and shrimp are a LOT healthier looking). I just have a niggling feeling that on along term basis no (or say only 6 monthly) water changes is not ideal.
I think this is because 1/tap water can contain high CO2 and the fluctuating levels can contribute to an algae outbreak. 2/ growth rates are much slower so the filter and plants 'break down all nasties' to the point that water changes are not needed. For simplicity lets assume there is no nitrate,phosphate, potassium, etc buildup from dry ferts or the like.
So up for discussion is...
Is my understanding correct? Are WC's really not needed, or just not needed as frequently.
and...
Has the idea of letting tap water sit for some time (how long 2hours, 2 days?) so that the CO2 dissipates, then adding it to the tank been considered. That way fluctuating CO2 levels ceases to become an issue :!:
I have been going without water changes for a couple of months and all is going great (still dosing dry ferts albeit 5x less, growth has slowed right down but plants are doing well - some better, some worse! Most interestingly fish and shrimp are a LOT healthier looking). I just have a niggling feeling that on along term basis no (or say only 6 monthly) water changes is not ideal.