Question on EI and waterchange

[GaspingGurami]

Doing EI method... Getting tired of weekly waterchanges...

If the aim of EI is to prevent deficiencies, and to ensure there is no fert that is in short supply, then shouldn't it be OK that I don't do any waterchange?

I mean if I keep up with the dosing, there will surely be enough for any fert that's short. And since there is no risk of algae even from excess of the other ferts because we use inorganic ferts, It means that I can delay the water changes... right??

Maybe make it once a month waterchange just to prevent built up fert from getting to toxic levels.

Any thoughts?

[PeterGwee]

Go non-CO2 then. Daily fish feeding and no water changes. Dose only when you see deficiencies with fastest growing plant in the tank (the rate is about 5-10x lesser to that of normal EI).

Regards
Peter Gwee

[GaspingGurami]

Go non-CO2 then. Daily fish feeding and no water changes. Dose only when you see deficiencies with fastest growing plant in the tank (the rate is about 5-10x lesser to that of normal EI).

Ya lah, but I'm a sucker for pearling and without CO2 induced pearls the tank just won't make it in my books. So on the topic of water change on monthly basis, any experience, thoughts, caveats, advice?

[PeterGwee]

If it builds up for some reason, your critters will suffer but if you are good at eyeballing things, you might be able to dose just enough each week and minimize potential of buildup to toxic levels. Consider using of equipments to make water changes more easy. I never touch a bucket now for water changes except a long hose plus a PVC tube hang on device specially made for water changes.

Regards
Peter Gwee