Semi automated water changes

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by Stovebolt-V8, May 23, 2015.

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  1. SeaMonster

    SeaMonster Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    May 23, 2015
    Messages:
    35
    I plan to shut off everything, drain first, then flip the switch to refill with new SW. No plans for drain yet.....Maybe I just stick a hose in there and siphon water outside, I have a window within reach of the tank. I'm also thinking maybe I could have a continuous siphon for the drain, stopped by a valve located inside so I can do a full water change without hauling buckets or hoses. We got the same winters as you so the whole exterior part of this set up will be an insulated mini-shed attached to the side of the house.
     
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  3. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2011
    Messages:
    4,732
    Location:
    A Texan in S.E. Wisconsin
    Do you have a basement? And if so, is your sump in it (the basement?)?

    For me (no nifty CAD drawings, too lazy to take pictures)
    My sumps in the basement- which is close to a floor drain too!
    I siphon water/detritus out of the sump to the floor drain.
    I like this- while the siphoning up the detritus is manual/hands on-no buckets at all.

    My RO/DI is piped to the sump area in the basement and has two lines, both with
    plastic valves on them.
    one fills my DIY- gravity only- no electicity/sensors/pump ATO, it T';s off to another line
    I use to clean, dosing, etc.
    and the other line can be switched on to fill my Mixing tank.

    For me, I use an all glass standard 55g tank, sits in the basement near the sump area.
    I use the RO/DI line to fill it.- aboutr 50-52g
    It has a Mag 3 for circulation, and a heater.
    I then dump one of the 4 bags that come in the Kent 200g box into the 55.
    Check the SG with my Refractometer- and it's always spot on!

    After this is prepared, and the sump is drained,
    I then simply hook a few hoses together and pump the 55g SW back up into the sump.

    Viola! No buckets, no trips to the lfs for water, etc.

    This is easy, simple, and inexspensive.
    I actually got the Mag 3 for free, and the 55 free from other local reefers.

    What ever you decide, there are many ways to do this.
    Choose one that is easy, cheap/free, and no lifting!
     
    Stovebolt-V8 likes this.
  4. Stovebolt-V8

    Stovebolt-V8 Feather Duster

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2012
    Messages:
    228
    Location:
    Rogue River, OR