I just got my second water analysis back. Much better with heavy metals gone and everything else just about where I want it. Just a few exceptions like lithium and cobalt. From what I've read those come in our salt mixes. It was well worth the money. I kinda thought the Triton method was just a new gimmick and was going to stop there but then I saw this video on YouTube from MACNA 2015.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPs1WCdW4y4
I have to say it really made me think differently about the Triton Method and water changes. There were a few things mentioned that really made sense to me and got me thinking of perhaps changing my husbandry.
1. Salt mixes are inconsistent with different batches containing different contaminants. Even basic elements like calcium and magnesium can change dramatically. I already knew this but didn't think anything could be done about it.
2. You cannot dilute pollutants out of your system unless you do major and substantial water changes. I think anyone that has tried to lower their nitrate or phosphate levels this way has learned this lesson. Weekly 10% or 20% water changes are insignificant in removing unwanted pollutants.
3. Major and substantial water changes are stressful and harmful to your livestock. They should only be used in emergencies where you have no choice.
So after I thought about this, I asked myself why am I doing water changes? The only reason I can see is to add trace elements that are used up. So wouldn't my system be more stable if I just added trace elements and stopped the water changes altogether? I use about 200 gallons of salt mix every 4 to 6 weeks. If I followed the Triton Method in full, I would actually save money. Any thoughts?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPs1WCdW4y4
I have to say it really made me think differently about the Triton Method and water changes. There were a few things mentioned that really made sense to me and got me thinking of perhaps changing my husbandry.
1. Salt mixes are inconsistent with different batches containing different contaminants. Even basic elements like calcium and magnesium can change dramatically. I already knew this but didn't think anything could be done about it.
2. You cannot dilute pollutants out of your system unless you do major and substantial water changes. I think anyone that has tried to lower their nitrate or phosphate levels this way has learned this lesson. Weekly 10% or 20% water changes are insignificant in removing unwanted pollutants.
3. Major and substantial water changes are stressful and harmful to your livestock. They should only be used in emergencies where you have no choice.
So after I thought about this, I asked myself why am I doing water changes? The only reason I can see is to add trace elements that are used up. So wouldn't my system be more stable if I just added trace elements and stopped the water changes altogether? I use about 200 gallons of salt mix every 4 to 6 weeks. If I followed the Triton Method in full, I would actually save money. Any thoughts?