Salt Water and Septic system?

[extremeshannon]

Hello everyone I have been planning a large salt water reef tank. I will starting the frame work in about 9 days and a question was brought up by a plumber friend. I have a 210 DT with a 125 Sump I am planning on fully automating this system. This will include an auto water change. I plan on having 1 gallon a day exchange. Will there be a problem with my septic. I have a large house with 5 bedroom, the house was a bed and breakfast before I bought it. My girlfriend and I are the only ones living here. I think the septic will handle the salt water but not sure of course. Any wisdom on this mater?

Thanks

 

[steamboat]

That's a super good question.

 

[DEXNC]

i built new house after about 6 years had to have system pumped, wife and son, spoke to my 73 yr old neighbor wife and 5 kids previous house never pumped in over 20 years. i could only attribute that to salt killing the bacteria in the system, could be wrong but i have spoken to other people who has never had to pump their system so soon.

 

[John39]

I work for a wastewater treatment plant, and I dont think that amount of salt is going to affect your system. Most of the septic tanks should be sucked out every 3-4 yrs anyway. But most people just wait untill they have a problem to do anything.

 

[jeff@zina.com]

A gallon a day is about the same as one shower a year. No issues.

Jeff


Text mangled by iPhone spell check...

 

[extremeshannon]

Thanks I called the Septic Rim Engineers that service my septic and they are not worried about a gallon a day or so with my septic system. They stated cooking waste has more salt / sodium then that. So I am back on track with my system. Thanks

 

[Sk8r]

If you go significantly larger, pick a spot on your driveway or the roadside that you would like not to grow anything for a century or so. Or put out a barrel you can use to evaporate salt water in summer heat, and then package and toss the residue.

 

[jacksonpt]

Is there no way to dump the waste water somewhere else, other than down the drain?

I'm on septic and have to have my tank drained every 3-4 years. I have a big house and appropriately sized septic tank. I live here full time, 2 young kids live here half time. They fill up faster than you think.

 

[david pinder]

Run over 2000 gal salt water I ran a line in the yard unerground to drain my water. Makes it nice just turn a valve and let it run. Beware dont walk off without cutting it off

 

[extremeshannon]

I live in Alaska. Winter time can be harsh on letting water evaporate or having a line running down to dump the system.When I do large water changes I will do it into a garbage can and find a place to dump it. Maybe into my fire pit. I don't plan on growing anything there