Ep16: How to do water changes for a dream saltwater tank? - The BRS/WWC System

Are water changes the key to a stable, long term reef tank? We think so and today Ryan explains why this may be the ultimate equalizer for your tank and how technology has changed to make this maintenance almost effortless to complete.
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This is going to be one for the books and we look forward to you following along as we attempt to re-create WWC's unbelievable success they've had with the stunning tanks in their Orlando shop, as well as show you how you can do it at home!
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The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

[@MichaelHolmgaard]

You guys should do a series on a nano aquarium. Nuvo Fusion 10-20 gallon or something :)

[@thegoldenfish31]

You're absolutely rocking that Wayne's world look!

[@cmoore806]

Schwing!

[@BahamaLlamaCoral]

I want to work in an office where setting up a personal tank is encouraged! The water for water changes....and ALL THE EQUIPMENT ON THE PLANET helps too ;) Great vid!

[@thepassionreef]

Wow Ryan once again you bring back the core of this hobby in this episode...Water Changes are your best friend in this hobby...

[@TurtleLungfishGirl]

From a fish store retail sales person. I say a massive THANK YOU!

[@istandwithisreal8883]

Ryan you are a legend in reefing, I get motivated when I watch brs TV so thank you for that the reefing community will never forget the abundance amount of knowledge that you have given us thank you Ryan not to mention an amazing online store which is a stor that we can get the things that we need with an outstanding quality and price and a whole slew of other benefits so if there’s any one wondering what’s the best place to buy reefing gear here’s the answer bulk reef supplies basically what I’m trying to say is Ryan dedicated so much time and money to help us so do him a favour hit the like button and subscribe thank you Ryan👍🏽👍🏽

[@NorthwesternReefer]

Keep doing what you guys are doing. I really look forward every week to watch these episodes and they have helped me out so much in this hobby. Thank you!

[@mattarruda]

I think I got the message. DO YOUR WATER CHANGES!!!!

[@cezar050681]

Thanks for yours quality and informative videos, BRS you are like Discovery channel and National Geografic channel for refing comunity! So again THANK YOU FOR EXISTING! I start my reefing experience with BRS videos. Keep it coming guys!

[@stephenmartin7227]

Not doing water changes is like not changing the oil in your car.

[@christineschultz3176]

This is a good example this video to scare ANYONE from even thinking about starting this hobby!! Holly balls

[@anthonymorse2862]

I got into this hobby 15 years ago. I jumped in with both feet before researching this hobby. Learning all my experience along the way by researching and doing my own research on my own tank. I have lost fish and coral a long the way mostly by just being a very impatient person in this hobby. Being patient is your success in this hobby and I have learned to become patient in this hobby. Ive pushed my tank to limits no other hobbyist should have besides BRS. Ive gone months without water changes and had became successful with it. My thing with water changes come with certain fish and coral being so delicate. If you want those corals and fish water changes are a MOST. Ive had a rose bubble tip split several time during that period. Damsel, a Christmas wrasse and pair of crown fish. I put a pause in this hobby and currently getting back into it. I never shut my tank down just let it run to come and find out 4 weeks ago I still have my damsel and star fish that is still alive after just doing a ATO for the tank. Id be nervous with the triton even though on my 90 I will test and move it to my 300 gal when and if I become successful with my 90.

[@djpseudoname2023]

This by far is the best subscription for KZbin aquarium videos I've subscribed to as an aquarium hobbiest. Keep up the good work. Correction: Keep up the great work.

[@ryanbatcheller394]

Thanks for the kind words :)

[@istandwithisreal8883]

Right :)

[@krijnstaylow]

I would love to see you guys do a video on natural seawater. I guess it's not that appealing from a commercial point of view but would be very useful for ppl living close to the ocean.. Keep up the awesome work.

[@yuyiboy]

Great info as usual!!! You guys rock!! 😊👍🏽

[@77bonzobean]

Awesome vid ! Thanks brs! GEM 💎 TANG !!!

[@nickeycostello3553]

Thanks for the vids BRS!

[@narrii4872]

Love the video

[@skzion2]

Excellent. Your approach is consistent with scientific method and take into account real life constraints. Maybe that's why internet searches are so often directed to you guys.

[@thegoodreeftiendadeacuario6548]

Very useful!! Thanks.

[@kpriest01]

Water changes are key to a successful reef tank it will help corals grow it helps keep your fish from getting sick we have to remember we are not the ocean we can only mimic the ocean in our tanks the ocean is constantly turning and turning the water and bringing in New water on a daily basis so therefore we need to do water changes. automatic water changes makes it a hundred times easier

[@Hasans01]

One of the best discussion, found very informative and totally unbiased. I am yet to find the secret behind DSR / Dymico. It's a science should have been available to everyone rather than restricted as a source of money making. My apologies for being brutally candid but I wonder why people dont contribute to hobby and think of money making. BRS and American Reef Channel are the favourite and shall be valued for their support to the hobby. Bravo!

[@audigex]

I tend to pick a baseline schedule that I stick to even if the parameters look fine - there's always a reasonable chance that there's something I've missed. I can ramp that up if there are problems, but I don't reduce it

[@davidmichael3137]

The answer I was looking for came in the last minute: 3%. LOL...I Love BRS and thank you for what you do. I am still trying to figure out for myself if 3% is the best, but I am going test it and see how it works.

[@Danielism]

A series in setting up a Nano tank for SPS that is a relatively simple setup with quality lighting, flow, possibly HOB fuge? May be good to go through options between mini skimmers or other alter options.

[@korystrong6541]

You guys need to do Tank Tours ... show us all of the BRS teams office tanks and let them say what they love about their tank and why they set it up the way that they did.

[@reidchabot]

They did a tank tour recently and briefly went over what everyone was doing with theirs.

[@lauraholmes9353]

Sweet! I’m halfway to becoming part of the1% club! 😆 (13:25)

[@nicolemarvin2938]

Really helpful, I have a young tank with lps and a few fish. Currently running Triton but it looks like long term I’d benefit from the 15% wc too, what’s best in this situation? I plan to send off testing after a month of dosing Triton but now worried the immaturity of the tank could be an issue??

[@atfinthehouse8631]

Great discussion by the way. Over 2 1/2 years ago BRS and WWC were my start along with a friend and local LFS. Now from a 30 gallon all in one. I’m running 5 tanks. All different. None with sumps. Some with HOB. Thanks BRS and WWC. Though I wish you guys would help focus a bit more on the expense and how to do it efficiently and with lower or better controlled costs.

[@anamariamedina990]

ATF intheHouse kejk

[@eroggero]

Just curious if you have any ideas for my tank, seem to have a thicker reddish color algae on sand bed as well as glass and rocks ( dose t look like cyno to me ) and can blow it off the rocks with a turkey baster and then water changes but just comes back. testing for phosphates and nitrates and they test at or around 0, probably which is to low. Tank is 2 years running. I do run gfo as well as carbon.. also noticed corals especially the monti cap are very pale compared to what they use to be.any help would be appreciated .

[@rockdrummer1226]

I'm very interested in the results of your salt mix testing to find the gallons per box/bucket and cost per gallon. Something I've always questioned myself. Thanks for everything you do to advance the hobby!

[@skookumchuckreefer978]

Besides ultra low maintenance, what about minimal / lowering annual running expenses, which might allow more people to buy into the hobby & so I can afford to buy more eye candy and fishes. As always the team at BRS is well informed , has leading edge great ideas and invaluable information about the hobby which can help me have a better experience a a hobbyist. I’ve watched BRS tv for years. Cheers BRS.

[@louisverheem4253]

Wonder how you stop the auto top off from kicking in when the auto water change is done?

[@DeeFromBrooklyn]

Great information, but I also think hobbyists forget to consider the affect of how they filter their tank in conjunction to how many water changes they need. Do they run carbon? GFO? or refugium. All additional factors on water quality and maintenance. My tank is over 10 years old and handles seasonal water quality changes differently gain a younger newer set up

[@haydeng9314]

Where did you guys get your captive bred yellow tang from? Is it from Biota? Thanks, I am looking into getting one for my tank!

[@mikeo9070]

Do you think its worth a water change with "perfect" parameters to clean detritus out of the sump and sand?

[@auroramasters]

Hai BRStv I got a question about this topic. My tank is new (1 months old), and I do weekly water change and thats it. No coral food, no dosing chemical, just 20-30% real sea water every week. I've been thinking, since I put the water in clear plastic water galons, is it benificial if I put the water in dirrect sunlight while waiting before put it in the tank? Maybe there is some organism like phytoplankton that is in the sea water could grow a bit... But I dont know, thats a noob and weird question 😁

[@miketlane]

ive had my 100gal reef for almost 20 years. ive used sea water straight from hood canal to do a water change once every couple months. ill tell ya every time i add the pre heated sea water to my tank everything gets active. tube worms all pop out and fan like crazy. never had any issues. used pre made bucket salt before and they dont look as happy or actve as when i add the sea water

[@micaelpuentes5757]

miketlane what??? Actual water from the sea?

[@atfinthehouse8631]

Add costs of setting up and maintaining auto water changes and auto top offs to the system costs. Would be helpful to hear these costs.

[@matthewklinge5539]

New to the hobby and am confused about multiple tangs in a tank. Have heard some say never do it and others say if you add them at the same time (which you seem to have done) it can work. Wouldn’t want to learn the hard way with a $1000 gem tang!

[@bevisprince4404]

I am so excited…On September 22,2021 I set up a 260 gallon reef tank with sump. If anyone has any suggestions & would like to share their experience with me that would be great!!

[@davidhughes7180]

Hi guys, 1. What are you thoughts on the following idea... I don't have an aquarium controller and am reluctant to move from the Osmolator to another ATO right now. I'm trying to think of a way to make water changes easier. I have recently built a manifold off of my return pump and have a spare outlet - I'm thinking of running a hose from here to a waste/drain. This will allow me to remove water at the turn of a ball/gate valve with no buckets/siphon. Could I then use another ATO and float/sensor which is connected to a pump in a salt water reservoir? So water change steps would go as follows: turn off skimmer/actual ATO > open ball valve for drain until water drains to marked point > wait for refill from sw reservoir > switch equipment on Of course, this is reliant on the volume of your sump and whether this would be a worthwhile water change. Would this work?! Anything to consider? 2. Your videos single handedly got me back in to reefing, so thank you and keep up the great work

[@drewlong77]

If my ROdi water bin accidently got heated to 88 overnight. "Great Scott!" Can that have had any negative effects? It smelled like Brute cologne.

[@Airstream_Traveler]

What about livestock quarantine? Seems like it is a big part of long term success but is usually skipped over.

[@anthonymurphy3101]

Can you test fritz rpm salt??

[@rja9784]

I’ve been doing 10% water changes every week with RODI water for the last 7 months the tank has been set up and I’m having more algae problems today than I did 4 months ago

[@OriginalDubb]

Ryan Sound so sick and stuffy... I feel you...

[@Mparker394]

Maybe I missed it, but with a new tank, how soon should you start water changes and how often should you do them?

[@joeludwig8847]

Im on my second month. I made the horrible mistake of cleaning my dry rock with a wire brush lol. I thought they were dirty like fresh water. But i didn't know tanks go through such a hideous stage. That was the only thing I've done without advice or any research. Luckily I only lost a few months.

[@thepassionreef]

Hey Ryan i will be making a presentation at a local coral show coming up in March and would like to know if i can use the slid with Core Components you shared in this episode. As always thanks again for everything....let me know.

[@thepassionreef]

@@BRStv Thank you so much.

[@frankpohl8746]

How do you keep your salt from turning into a brick? I'm using a I.O. salt bucket for storage. thx you

[@BRStv]

The key is to keep moisture out. The best way to do this is to use a bucket with a tight fitting lid and press down on the lid while you seal it.

[@keithstie]

Would you recommend the 3% DOS water change for a newer 228 gal (total system) as well?

[@BRStv]

We like to get that all up and running pretty early on. Even newer tanks can benefit from a regular water change schedule.

[@andrewenglishsc]

I'm doing the most expensive bucket brigade + wooden floor option lol :( Nobody ever talks about how annoying W/C's are on tanks over like 75g lol.

[@sethwilliamson]

When the community started treating water-changers like relics of the past, I had a hard look. The zero water change system claims just didn't add up *for me and my tank.* *Financial Claims* If I was doing ICP testing frequently enough to be comfortable halting water changes, I wouldn't break even financially until I was over about 300 system gallons, and that was just comparing ICP test fees versus salt costs. That didn't even count the price of all of the little bottles of this and that. So, I don't buy the claim of financial savings for an average reefer. If you aren't testing that often to save money, and you aren't doing water changes, well that's just bad husbandry in my book and a time bomb. *Maintenance Claims* If you can set up an automatic water change system, the weekly maintenance can be as low as scooping the salt into a container and closing the lid. Everything else can take care of itself. For people that can't have this... well, maybe. It's all relative, but the things you need to do to get away with zero water changes adds up to far more maintenance than an automated water change system can be. In the end, I figured it was analogous to this... it is usually far cheaper, easier, stable, and reliable to simply open a window than it is to try to engineer, monitor, and maintain a biodome. If that stuff appeals to you as an extension of the hobby, by all means, knock yourself out. Just don't blow smoke up my ___ claiming you're saving money or time doing so.

[@ryankattner9966]

I think I remember Josh from WWC saying that siphoning the detritis from the bottom during water changes was very important. Is that able to be taken care of utilizing Neptune auto-changes?

[@shanefrancis9844]

Bare bottom nothing settles

[@DarkSky0685]

I'm sure you've answered this a hundred times, but where did you get those water containers locally in MN? A DOS and AWCs are in my future and I need get a pair of those.

[@jnava121]

The tall white ones are norwesco 60 gallon- tall storage containers. There a bit expensive to ship , you can find them possibly at a tractor supply or soemthing like that.

[@michaelbozeman7076]

Exactly... I purchased mine through Norwesco 65g for $110 each. Picking them up at a nearby dealer

[@jnava121]

@@michaelbozeman7076 there you go ! lol good deal

[@dontreply8346]

Just did a water change

[@bertblank8742]

Did you guys ever do a video on the retractable garden hoses and how to use them for the water changes?

[@BRStv]

Not yet, but it's still on the idea board. :)

[@bertblank8742]

Bulk Reef Supply would love for you guys to do one soon 😀. I need a way to make things easier!

[@rizendell]

1% every day for best success. By doing a daily change you will eliminate the need for expensive supplements and it will stabilize the water conditions.

[@bigsalty3661]

Curious as to why you guys don't carry Fritz RPM salt especially because they are a huge sponsor at most of the reef expos. Are they not quality? Are there issues? Any feedback would be great

[@bigsalty3661]

Just curious as to why because they're a very huge name at the reefing events and you guys make it seem that if you don't carry it it's not trust worthy that's all.

[@guilhermesoares2075]

Hi Ryan, is there any difference if I put the salt on the water or put the salt first on the barrel and then put the water? Thank you.

[@BRStv]

Always add salt to the water, and not water to the salt. Water to the salt can create high concentration area's that can lead to precipitate.

[@guilhermesoares2075]

@@BRStv thank you so much.

[@robertkern393]

What kind of barrel are you using for the storage of your RODI- and fresh seawater?

[@BRStv]

We're using Norwesco and Ace RotoMold tanks here at the office.

[@Bhodges9582]

You didn’t really elaborate on the garden hose being used for draining water only, what are the risks involved with using it to fill the tank with fresh saltwater??

[@Bhodges9582]

BulkReefSupplyCom I’ve been using a garden hose for water changes, moving water in and out, maybe I should get a vinyl hose in my shopping cart soon.

[@Bansheemyk2001]

So if you are doing auto changes, how do you clean the sand?

[@gabreillavagnhn9433]

Do you use fresh water to fill up or do you use saltwater?

[@BRStv]

If you remove saltwater, you should replace it with saltwater. On the flip side, if you're adding water because it evaporated, you should be adding freshwater.

[@emadhassan5298]

احسنت

[@saltyfarms]

Re aquascaping and water change today 😰 wish me luck

[@saltyfarms]

It did looks better now

[@VividVoyage82]

What water tanks are you guys using for your mixing stations?

[@BRStv]

We're using a combo of Norwesco and Ace Roto Mold brand tanks for our mixing stations.

[@TCoop29016]

Are you saying "out of water changes"? I tried Google and can't find anything on it.

[@TCoop29016]

@@BRStv thanks, sorry for such a noob question. Doing some research for posibly my first saltwater tank

[@toddferreira13ify]

All I do is water changes on my 90g Reef. Never had an issues and never had anything die in my tank no dosing or anything. Just 10g a week.

[@detroithammer8869]

a @!#$ amen, its all I do.

[@efaciler2462]

How many gallons?

[@toddferreira13ify]

It's a 90g with 40g sump and I change 10g a week

[@efaciler2462]

Do you use rodi water or prime water conditioner?

[@toddferreira13ify]

Rodi. And salinity salt

[@insanity4224]

Isn’t that a LOT of fish to dump into a tank at once that early?

[@MrAirtaz]

I'm a new tank hobbyist. I was told not to vacuum the sand because there are valuable nutrients mixed in the sand. This video, on multiple occasions, there is someone vacuuming the sand. Which is right?

[@BRStv]

We like to maintain the sand by siphoning out any uneaten food, fish waste, or other organics. We often reference a sand bed as the kitty litter box of a reef tank, so maintaining it during water changes is beneficial in our eyes.

[@rayzorhead]

Why is it every time I do a water change my Alkalinity is still LOW…… I thought it would even it out!?

[@chrisferrett1455]

I used to live in the UK and had to mix salt water and it is not cheap, Now I live in western Australia, I go down to the local beach and fill 5x 20 ltr containers for free , So no excuse for not doing water changes now is there? We have ningaloo reef up north and went to a holiday not long ago, so many corals and fish but there is a look and don't take rule that we abided by.

[@detroithammer8869]

has anyone done a vid on using a stander doser (non apex)?

[@detroithammer8869]

@@BRStv Thanks,Always The best source for reef Qs!

[@donquixote2206]

BulkReefSupplyCom if you guys could source a high-run dual peristaltic pump set up that would work as a stand alone auto changer, I’d get it. Apex is a beauty, but I can think of 700 things I’d rather spend $700 on for my tank. File that for right after getting the rights to do a next gen ReefKeeper. Add an option for optical sensor-Powered third motor for auto top off if you are feeling particularly ambitious 😉

[@billydanzz]

Living in the desert southwest and being on well water, I find the need to strike a balance between using water and conserving it. The amount of water that for the most part, is wasted to produce RODI, and 10% to 15% weekly water changes just means way too much water used over time on a system of 75 to 100 gal or more. Aggressive export methods from day one of starting the tank and a 'modest' water change every few months has been my approach....time will tell I guess.

[@ivandimov6900]

Billy Danz RODI is definitely not required. I’m on tap water and I let it diffuse for an hour after adding salt. I’d definitely recommend some 200 gallon tanks to store water during the rainy season. Go buy a 20 gallon, go buy a bag of salt, live rock, some reef sand, a hang on back filter, some filter media, and run it for a day. Then pick up a pair of cheap clowns or a group of green chromis, and you don’t need to do water changes more than 25% per month if you have some snails. Just some top offs once a week

[@markweldon744]

Keep the gem tang can I have the zebra tang plz

[@rhombifer566]

🧐

[@uhohhotdog]

Put lids on your buckets geez

[@donquixote2206]

Uhohhotdog Gaming get the WATER PROOF bucket lids, that screw on with a gasket.

[@EricJohnson-dc2ej]

Looks like you weren’t able to avoid the ugly algae stage

[@kyleburke7285]

Did someone win the fish I wanna win the fish its beautiful

[@XMRNYC]

What happened to no water changes? Not good for business?

[@donquixote2206]

xoomercom he talks about why it didn’t work for them. Did you watch?

[@XMRNYC]

@@donquixote2206 I understand that, but perhaps you didn't understand the question.

[@donquixote2206]

xoomercom I understand your question, and it was answered in the video: he regrets going to the Triton method on the one tank (the only no water change method they could replicate success with) because you cannot automate it. I expect they make less money selling low margin/high shipping cost salt than they do the MSRP Triton test kits and additives. Now, if they can convince you to drop $800 on an Apex and another $200 on a DOS (and another $50 on plumbing supplies), sure, that’s some profit, but how much do you think they make as a reseller for those one time purchases? That might help buy the boat, but it won’t pay for the rental slip or gas. Not trying be be snarky; I bet if the Apex Trident (or some other home auto test&dose equipment) ever ships and eliminated the need for the mail-in testing, they’d push that HARD: probably even create an API to let it auto order media when it’s getting low.

[@XMRNYC]

@@donquixote2206 Valid points. I'll leave it at that. BTW, Ryan - thanks for another great video. Keep em coming

[@ryanbatcheller394]

Thanks :)

[@longjohndingel]

Put tons of corals into you new tank and avoid the ugly phase. I think you know this so why you take care of it?

[@johnyocampo6487]

I don't do water changes and my tank is healthy.

[@maverickreefer3255]

Thank you guys! Keep doing what you do. On another note...I realise that research costs and you often pay the price for buying 'too' cheap but are manufacturers taking it too far with their pricing? kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJDPm3xnrqiJbrM

[@sashimiturtle]

Reefing community years ago... you have to do water changes or everything is gonna die! Reefing community last two years... water changes are pointless you are wasting money! Reefing community this year... you have to do water changes or everything is gonna die!

[@captainwin6333]

You didn't watch the clip, did you.

[@jasonrevell8590]

Exactly why I never follow advice from people on forums or chase trends in this hobby. I know what works because I read every book written by the pioneers is this hobby 15-20 years ago and followed the true experts advice. I've never had a tank crash, ever.

[@jnava121]

Ryan every year.. Here some videos and free shit!!!

[@TheDjMaxims]

I have tried both and no water change method works only until something you cannot test for kills a coral. Water Changes has always given me the best result

[@jnava121]

BulkReefSupplyCom yes you guys are the best!

[@Albertoamigon]

Will laugh if someone wins... 1 week later... hey guys update... tang died :-/

[@H_A_F_GAMING]

if your going to run a tank you should run it your self bro

[@berryfriedman5147]

MARKETING MARKETING MARKETING!!!!!! DO water changes so that we can make money selling salt.

[@ryanbatcheller394]

Don’t blame anyone for thinking that but we lose money selling salt in almost every case . It’s super expensive to ship 50 pound buckets around the country.

[@stianandreassen3903]

When someone tells you its "the best thing to say you fucked up" when you complain about their product, lol. This guy should sell used cars. listen to his last appearance when he talks about other brands. Id rather buy herpes than an Apex. Plenty of better, cheaper and nicer brands out there where you dont have to deal with this clown