methods for water changes

[bobparker]

do you just dump it in the sump all at once, or add it slowly? does it matter?

 

[Raggamuffin]

I used a small powerhead in the water change bucket they pump 200ish GPH but the 1 or 2 foot head they have to push means it takes a few minutes to empty a 5gal bucket why work when you can spend 10 bucks and sit back.

 

[thegrun]

I get the water parameters close and use a 1/2 tube to siphon the water into the sump. It isn't quite a all at once dump, but it isn't a slow process either.

 

[jarrett]

i just pump mine into the sump i regulate the temp in my holding tank so it doesnt affect my system at all

 

[bobparker]

all good points.
I agree Raggamuffin. I have a small cheapo topfin that would work perfectly.
What about Salt mixes? I just set up my second tank <it's been up for 2 weeks> I used reef crystals and still have'nt got the water parameters where I want them. My old sump was loaded with cheato macro and I was running skimmerless. I'm quessing when I removed my LR it had suffered die off from sponges and what not. Putting it in the new system I discovered nitrates around .10. I was freaked to say the least. I tried dosing vodka .5 ml on a 55gal for a few days, but that hasnt help<stopped because I dont like the thought ethanol in my tank> I have a water change coming this weekend, but found the LFS was out of reef crystals.

 

[lordofthereef]

I will add that IMO the temp thing depends on how much you are changing out at a time. If you do the 1-2% a day, unless there are GLARING differences in your newly mixed water temps from your tank I find that it doesn't really effect the overall temps of the tank at all. I would always dump it in the sump though if not matching the temps.

 

[loglew]

If you have a fuge in your sump be careful not to shock all the small critters in there with a huge change in temp, or salinity.

 

[droberts]

i do a 25 gal water change bi-weekly and i pump the water from the sump and siphon water from the dt to get the poo out of the dt. then i dump the new water into the dt. maybe not the best way but it works for me.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I like to change 1% daily, automatically, and if possible, have some of the outgoing liquid be from a skimmer.

 

[cloak]

I'll be changing out 5 gallons tomorrow morning on my 20 gallon tank. As long as the SG is up to par, I just dump it right in the sump. My tank is running at about 80 degrees right now, adding 5 gallons of water that's 70 or below doesnt seem to bother the corals one bit. Never has.

 

[AndrewG]

I dump a bucket (4 gal ?) premixed and about the same temp straight into my show tank. Never had a problem in 8 years doing this. For make up RO/DI water, I use the air intake tube of my skimmer to draw the water from the 5 gallon jug.

 

[Playa-1]

For Me it depends on how big the water change is going to be. If it only 10 or 15 gallons then I might just siphon it out and dip and pour a few 5 gallon buckets. For most water changes I will use a small pump and a long hose. The water is pumped out and replaced slowly this way. I think nice a slow is a better method.

 

[ddinox64]

I just did a water change on my 90. Did 10 gallons in a half hour. Work it like a pit stop. Left to right. Close drain, close pump, power down. Figured out 10 gallons down still leaves top placed corals underwater. Drain into 2 five gallon buckets which I just manage to carry in my old age. Carry in those same 2 buckets with premixed water. Place on a stool, drop in pump with hose attached and replace water.

Then right to left. Power up, open pump, open drain. Works out good to where my sump level never changes and always keeps a head on my standpipe(Herbie). Narry a drop of water on the floor.

Before ever setting up this tank as well as the others. While running things in garage I go through the drills of maintenance and placement of equipment.

Sock change takes about a minute.

Less of a chore, more enjoyable.

 

[Plan>B]

I like to change 1% daily, automatically, and if possible, have some of the outgoing liquid be from a skimmer.

I would like to hear more about this... you have a build thread on this?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Here's a typical post of mine on it:

If you want to automate the water change, you can make changes with no level change in the aquarium. Just get a dual head pump and add water at the same time you are removing it. I do that with a Reef Filler, but a dual peristaltic pump works well too. Mine runs on a timer, so it does it when the time is on, whether I'm at work, sleeping, etc.

One big advantage of this type of system, aside from it taking no actual work to do it, is that you need not match salinity, temperature, or anything else since it is swapped in so slowly.


This has more on how that type of water change compares in efficiency to batch type water changes:


Water Changes in Reef Aquaria
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-10/rhf/index.php


Here's a thread on automatic water changes:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1568068

 

[jherrin215]

Thanks Randy!! I'm currently setting everything up to be automated but couldn't quite figure out my water changes becasue I didn't really have anywhere in my system that I was willing to drain out about 25 gallons and replace with new water. This idea will be perfect. All I have to do is close the return line and open a drain line to waste for a set amount of time. After a set time I will swap them back, open to DT and closed to waste and refill to the point that my sump reaches the level it is always at!! Makes everything so much easier!!