LR question

[genitor]

In saltwater tanks with live rock, the LR eats up nitrates correct?
So does this mean that you don't have to do water changes but just add trace elements from time to time?

[Drumachine09]

In saltwater tanks with live rock, the LR eats up nitrates correct?
So does this mean that you don't have to do water changes but just add trace elements from time to time?

I dont know if it eats nitrates or not, but you still need to do water changes. At least 15-20% every 2 weeks.

[kkyyllee]

it will filter your tank but water changes are still needed and are very imprtant, weekly water changes might be needed depending on ur tank bioload

[Fishguy2727]

Deep within live rock where the oxygen is very low there is denitrifying bacteria. That is the bacteria that turns nitrates into nitrogen gas and releases the nitrogen from your system. Theoretically it could be done where you don't need to do water changes, just add supplements. But even then the livestock would probably appreciate a real water change, even if you don't do it near as often as if you had no live rock in the tank. One of the problems with this is that you need a very low bioload and a lot of live rock (2+ pounds per gallon). This is usually only the case in reef tanks. This method should be left to the advanced marine keepers.

[cocoa_pleco]

if you have lots of LR, you can filter using the LR only. the method shouldnt be used with rookies though. Since i have almost full stock LR on my 33g, i just filter with the LR and a small whisper filter for 5-15G. waters crystal and the anemones and corals are out 100% of the time fullblast

[genitor]

Thanks everyone, very informative. So basically if set up correctly saltwater tanks need way less maintenance than freshwater tanks?

[kkyyllee]

no they actually need more, especially if you have corals

[cocoa_pleco]

parameters are more crucial in salt water. some corals CANNOT tolerate nitrate and nitrite even above 5ppm

[Rue]

...you should do smaller water changes...but more often...although many reef-keepers have different routines (just like FW) there seems to be a consensus that weekly 10% changes are the best...

But even if the water-changes are less work...the rest of the maintenance is consideralbly more...as is the expense...

[genitor]

If you don't have corals, besides pwc's and filter cleaning what other maintenace is needed?

[cocoa_pleco]

just water changes and salinity checks with a hydrometer

[Fishguy2727]

General chemistry checks and adjustments, pH, GH, KH, specific gravity, calcium (sometimes important to things besides corals), etc.