It is possible to maintain the alkalinity of a tank with waterchanges alone especially if it is a nano aquarium or has fairy low demand. On larger systems or aquariums with high alkalinity usage it can prove impractical.

Alkilinity will be being constantly consumed via acidic bacterial respiration, fish wastes and of course coral uptake. For most established aquariums a regular waterchange, to help balance and maintain water quality, and the addition of suppliments inbetween to cope with mineral uptake is advisable.