I have a routing with basically the same practices. I fluctuation 2 tenths of a point in ph daily. Apparently cooking dinner and oven use can cause more than that.... Could watching my ph on my apex be doing nothing but driving me mad? lol
Totally agreed. I don't think everyone needs to follow my path. The water change is what I do to ensure what I perceive as stability ( the topic ) . If I stay consistent with my program and everything seems to thrive then I only assume stability is present. I guess I focus more on consistency than actual "number" chasing. Too often a number is determined by IMO inconsistent test kits/devices/users and then things are done to adjust the number without really knowing what is causing the issue and then tested with the same means. Too many anecdotal events for my taste so I stick with what works, anecdotal or not, and let the greater minds test the waters (pun intended)SnowManSnow;1096388 wrote: Let me add to this a little bit,
what Grouper does for his tank as far as testing goes works for him because he is an experienced reefer. There are certain things I'm sure will tip him off in the tank that something is out of whack, at which point he would probably start troubleshooting in on way or another.
I'm not calling anyone else "inexperienced", but after a long while people can develop a feel for their particular tank. Testing is important IMO and can be a bit like training wheels. Take them off too soon and BAM. OR use them too much and drive yourself crazy with tenths of points.
Also, keep in mind that a test only shows you what HAS ALREADY happened in a reef tank, and thus if you are constantly reacting to test kits you're always changing things and always playing catch up.
IMO one key to stability (the topic of this thread) is being able to spot the signs of a change that is about to occur, or has JUST began to happen, ... correct the course and thus minimize any dramatic swings.
This is what having a eye does for you. That being said, and I'm sure grouper will agree, at some point we all miss something that should have been obvious in hindsight.
Grouper, I hope i didn't put too many words in your mouth.
I THINK out of the last few posts the take away, as far as stability goes, is being able to spot changes before they become severe.