Let me just say, I think Cory is a brilliant businessman and I agree with the vast majority of his views. I think Father Fish is a little too “arrogant” (in action, not demeanor) about his views. I think the more we can do “naturally” the better. Whatever benefits the critters in the end should be the priority.
Anyway, ever since I started making RO water my experience with the hobby has completely shifted. I’ve been a keeper for 20 years, last 10 pretty seriously. RO water has helped me get over the hump of my crap water situation. My plants finally thrive, there’s zero algae growth now and my critters are healthy. This is my one year anniversary with RO water. Your results may vary. I’m not at all saying that RO is “the answer”. It’s anecdotal at best.
However, what I’ve been able to do is change water less since my plants thrive and use a lot of nutrients. The parameters are so stable. The only thing that builds over time seems to be the total dissolved solids. So once they reach about 400 I do cut it back. (I make my RO water about 200 ppm with mineralizing powder.)
The more we can do naturally without neglect or using it as cover for laziness seems to be a good goal. Why waste when you can offset with a pretty stable “ecosystem”?
Wondering if more and more of you are trying to get into a less equipment and management for your own hobby approach? I find the technical and hands on management equally fulfilling if not more than a “let is be natural” approach. But, with this success lately I’m beginning to embrace as many “hands off” aspects of the hobby as I can. Again, with the ultimate priority of critter and plant health.
Have you made a move towards some the practices of renewable aquariums? Fewer water changes? Lots of microorganisms etc?
Posted by jebbanagea