EVERY system is unique. Measuring the amount of food going in, the amount actually eaten, the balance of microfuana(pods, snails, worms), the amount skimmed… So many variables it’s IMPOSSIBLE, to put a number on it, just gut feelings based on the system.
10% changes with a LOW bio load and really nice filtration will make things work.
15% with a medium bio load (no definition on that)
20% if you like lots of fish and like to feed them, no matter what your filtration is.
-These are all really random numbers
[quote=“dajohnson02, post:34, topic:4818”]
I’d be hard pressed to find the complete lack of phosphates in ANY system, unless you have a system almost completely dependant upon photosynthesis. Crabs, clams, fish . . . pretty much every creature will contribute to the phosphorous buildup in your tank (as well as obvious other chemicals).[/quote]
Who keeps a tank " almost completely dependant upon photosynthesis"? Yet there is need enough for phosphates in some systems they sell phosphates in a bottle just for hobby use… Most people would just put fish in the system and feed, but I’m guessing you haven’t yet dove into reading up on low nutrient systems. Water changes, carbon, skimmers, phosphate removers, macro algae, turf scrubbers are all safe to use ways to reduce Nitrates and Phosphates. There are other ways of filtering your water(so to speak) that drop Nitrate and Phosphate levels to the point where steps need to be taken to feed them.
I gave a quick random(prepared 20 minutes before the meeting due to a cancellation) chat about low nutrient systems. I showed to some people afterwards the slew of different plankton products I feed. I fed tiny bits of each at that time and now a large enough amount to cause an algae bloom in most aquariums.
That’s off topic though.
To the original poster… in my opinion there is no better investment in your tank then regular consistent water changes and tanks that truly thrive with stony corals RARELY are those with monthly water changes.(some rare exceptions often involve extremely dedicated hobbyist, very large tank, with loads of time, loads of equipment, and often just a lot of luck)
Glad things are going better for ya!