automatic water change
- Thread starter DRThompson
- Start date
DRThompson
2018 FMAS President
I remove old water from my sump and return new water to top of my display. Not sure it makes a difference; just seems like a good idea to keep them far apart
AquamanE
Active member
I had the same concern when i first started with the LM3.
I respectfully disagree with Jeremy that a good ATO has a 2" clearance, depending on the sump size this could be a lot of water. Mine is a simple ATO with float switches from a well known ATO company, and it has a clearance of about 1/2"
However... the way i see it is..even if your initial cycle takes water out and it kicks in the ATO, it will only happen once, because the next cycle will add water, therfore putting the level above the ATO, so now when the output pump kicks in again, it only takes it to the ATO level anyways. The way i set it up the initial cycle was to put water in, so it was above the ATO, so the following cycle took water out, and likely back to the original ATO level. Ive been monitoring my ATO reservoir an it is working as usual.
To answer the other question: i take water out from where the overflow puts it into sump, and return just above the return pump on other side of sump. My sump is almost 4 feet long and 30" wide so doubt much clean water is taken out. Especially with the LM3 since at 9.5liters/day divided by 150 times, we are looking at ~65 ml (2 oz) with each cycle.
I concur, I use Spectrapures pressure switch ATO and it only fluctuates 1/4" to 1/2" depending on local air pressure. Any more than that and my skimmer would not work consistently since the new one I got ended up having to go into the return pump section with intake for the skimmer pump in the first chamber (should have measured better)
AquamanE
Active member
Although its not the best case scenario, running a skimmer on the return side can be accomplished. I did it for many years before this tank. As long as your ATO is dependable it works.
Measured again today, no change in SG. :rollface:
iced98lx
New member
I really disliked spectrapure's calibration bit, until I realized how flexible it made it, now I really love the idea. Matching non-like pumps, even using cheaper pumps that need an easy monthly calibration is possible. I don't want to dilute this thread but I've ordered 4 cheap pump heads (ebay special) and will attempt to duplicate the LM's calibration idea as a way to make $13 pump heads combined with a cheap micro controller do the water changes as part of my existing DIY controller project.
Really enjoy this thread.
Really enjoy this thread.
shermanator
New member
Just to double check, to do automatic water changes with the SpectraPure unit, I would need to buy:
- the LM3 dosing system - $269.99
- LM3-MPM - $119.00'
- LM4-TCM-G6 - $49.99
Anything else needed (aside from a float to have Apex turn it off if saltwater is low)?
One more question: do the LM3 pumps, like the peristaltic pumps, have no concern for head height? Can my saltwater for water change be under my sump (basement sump)?
And I have to ask: how about a special RC one-time coupon to buy the three items at a slight discount? Worth a try, haha. I nearly bought the double headed stenner today, so it was good timing to check back with this thread.
- the LM3 dosing system - $269.99
- LM3-MPM - $119.00'
- LM4-TCM-G6 - $49.99
Anything else needed (aside from a float to have Apex turn it off if saltwater is low)?
One more question: do the LM3 pumps, like the peristaltic pumps, have no concern for head height? Can my saltwater for water change be under my sump (basement sump)?
And I have to ask: how about a special RC one-time coupon to buy the three items at a slight discount? Worth a try, haha. I nearly bought the double headed stenner today, so it was good timing to check back with this thread.
SpectraPure
.Registered Member
Instead of the LM3-MPM, it would actually be the LM3-RPM. There was a mistake on the sticker that was sent.
Jeremy
Jeremy
AquamanE
Active member
Sherminator- as noted in Jeremy's post, those guys are very helpful. He answered some of your questions, but here in South Florida we dont deal much with basements and head pressure. They could easily answer those questions for you.
SpectraPure
.Registered Member
head
head
The Liter meter can push 60-80 feet in head elevation. There should not be a problem with coming down from your basement unless you have a 8 story mansion.
Jeremy
head
The Liter meter can push 60-80 feet in head elevation. There should not be a problem with coming down from your basement unless you have a 8 story mansion.
Jeremy
SpectraPure
.Registered Member
I will see what I can do for a coupon. Also check out our facebook page as well. I can often say and do more there than on here.
Jeremy
Jeremy
shermanator
New member
Too bad for me that I don't have a Facebook account. If you do come up with a coupon, but cannot post it here, could you PM me? Thanks for even considering it!
And thanks to all for this thread, very cool stuff and I'm excited to get one setup myself.
reelredfish
Member
Same here you would need to PM me as well cause i dont mess with facebook.
