automatic water change

[smb2415]

@blackthunda - my immediate thoughts tell me only 2 ways.

1) connect a float switch in the saltwater tank, at a level you determine to be your "low" limit, to an apex breakout box.

2) as you said come up with a calculated reminder via email , etc.


a 3rd option would be to connect a float switch as in 1) but connect it to an audible alarm. This would alleviate connecting the apex to some remote spot and sound an audible alarm (think fire alarm) when the water runs low. not too hard of a solution and relatively inexpensive - just annoying when the buzzer goes off.

 

[smb2415]

@blackthunda - I can't speak for others but I wouldn't want my ATO inlet tube submersed. Leave the tube above your max sump level by around an inch

 

[DRThompson]

I have a quick question, sorry if i over looked it. How do you monitor the fresh saltwater container? Like say you put it in a closet or part of the garage you dont visually inspect everyday. Im assuming that would have to be another aspect of the aquarium you would have to monitor correct? Maybe calculate how many gallons your container holds and then calculate / estimate how long it will take to exhaust the supply? And then just set an alarm on your email or phone? Maybe im over analyzing it.

I use a 55gal barrel to hold the "new" saltwater for my auto water change system. At 2ish gallons per day, the barrel should last at least 3 weeks. I dont think I would go 3 weeks without looking at it. Also, my ATO is in the same area and only lasts about 10 days. I also keep my replacement Ca, alk, nitragone, phosphagone, Mg, GFO, Carbon and soda lime in that area. I dont see me missing this; there would have to be a LOT of neglect before this happens.

 

[DRThompson]

Found 2 other similar threads doing the same thing; just thought i'd post a link to anyone who is curious.

http://www.pbmas.org/board/index.php?showtopic=7955

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2344730

 

[PorcusMaximus]

I use a 55gal barrel to hold the "new" saltwater for my auto water change system. At 2ish gallons per day, the barrel should last at least 3 weeks. I dont think I would go 3 weeks without looking at it. Also, my ATO is in the same area and only lasts about 10 days. I also keep my replacement Ca, alk, nitragone, phosphagone, Mg, GFO, Carbon and soda lime in that area. I dont see me missing this; there would have to be a LOT of neglect before this happens.

Ever get any problems with mold or bacteria growing in the fresh barrel even with water movement? In our humid climate, I'm curious if this can become an issue.

 

[AquamanE]

Ever get any problems with mold or bacteria growing in the fresh barrel even with water movement? In our humid climate, I'm curious if this can become an issue.

Ive had my SW mixing station in garage for over 5 years, see pics above. No mold. You do however get Ca precipitate depending on salt you use. I take mine out every 1-2 years and clean it out.

 

[AquamanE]

also, where do you guys have the strainer positioned and the refill tube from the stenner positioned in the tank for best results?

Yeah John i think your over analyzing, :worried:

My set up----Clean water comes from Garage or wherever you have the new SW, and into the return area right above return pump inlet.

Dirty water is taken from the Return area, before skimmer etc..., and dumped out.

 

[jonnyu]

Well I found some master flex dual head pumps for $200. If anyone interested in doing a group buy and getting price down to $150-$175 let me know. Looking to order next Friday. He has 8 right now.

 

[Sacohen]

I'm interested.

Will they be shipped to you and then we pick them up?

 

[jonnyu]

Yes he can ship to me direct. I live in Pembroke Pines.

Here is a pic. Model 7540-20 drive

They come with single head and can have additional head installed. So one head will be brand new.

http://www.masterflex.nl/Downloads/manual07540-xx.pdf

 

[jonnyu]

Price will include the two heads

 

[mth1993]

I will definitely be interested in the group buy. I just need whoever receive them to shop to me in Michigan. It would be GREATLY APPRECIATED.

 

[AquamanE]

Well I found some master flex dual head pumps for $200. If anyone interested in doing a group buy and getting price down to $150-$175 let me know. Looking to order next Friday. He has 8 right now.

Man $150-$175 for the ability to do automatic water changes is awesome!!!!!

I hooked my Stenner up a week ago and have been doing manual changes by flipping the switch every day.

Finally figured out how to add my DC8 (from my old AC3) to the Apex today, so programmed it to do it one its own. It will start at 6PM today. Hopefully it will work. I have it set to turn on for 100 minutes= 2.5 gallons. If this works i will then consider 2 x 50 minutes.

 

[jonnyu]

Man $150-$175 for the ability to do automatic water changes is awesome!!!!!

I hooked my Stenner up a week ago and have been doing manual changes by flipping the switch every day.

Finally figured out how to add my DC8 (from my old AC3) to the Apex today, so programmed it to do it one its own. It will start at 6PM today. Hopefully it will work. I have it set to turn on for 100 minutes= 2.5 gallons. If this works i will then consider 2 x 50 minutes.

Very nice.. Can't wait to setup one

 

[DRThompson]

I found this product while posting on another forum; just thought I'd throw this out there for anyone looking to do automated water changes on a TIGHT budget!

there's a guy on ebay selling a used ThermoFisher peristaltic pump connected to a single masterflex head (do an ebay search for "ThermoFisher D3138"). You can buy 2 of them for $53. If you buy 2 of them you can combine the heads like this (see pic)

I think Jonnyu already bought 2, hopefully he will post when he gets them in. I'd be interested to find out how well it holds up over time and how well it can push/pull water with both heads attached.

 

[dread240]

I just picked up 2 myself, that's too good to not pass up. Only thing that could make it better would be 120VAC motors instead of 12VDC

 

[DRThompson]

I just picked up 2 myself, that's too good to not pass up. Only thing that could make it better would be 120VAC motors instead of 12VDC

motor runs at 200rpm, might want to try running at lower voltage to slow the pump down a bit. Would like to get your impressions of the pump when you get it set up.

 

[dread240]

with it being DC voltage it could also be PWM controlled as well too. I didn't see a current demand on the motor label though, have to figure it out when I get it here

New post feature gets me everytime, I've been slobbering up your FL forums so let me just add one thing...

screw you guys, I have snow here, you're probably in shorts, kthnxbye LOL

 

[DRThompson]

with it being DC voltage it could also be PWM controlled as well too. I didn't see a current demand on the motor label though, have to figure it out when I get it here

New post feature gets me everytime, I've been slobbering up your FL forums so let me just add one thing...

screw you guys, I have snow here, you're probably in shorts, kthnxbye LOL

LOL....still running my A/C, was in the 80's today......oh, and yea, shorts all year buddy :beachbum:

 

[jonnyu]

Lmao