simpler water changes

[Seasafire]

Hi I had an idea on how to decrease time and stress to the tank while doing water changes.
I apologize if this is not original.

Here is the idea, you get two 30 or 50 gallon rubbermade garbage cans with the wheels on the bottom.
plumb them both so they can be put inline between the overflow and the sump filter bag.
While one is inline the other can be mixing salt. Then simply swap out to do a water change.
Pros. no change in water level in tank, detritus trap, I'll be more likely to do maintenance on time,
adding a significant amount of water to my system.
Cons. Ugly :hmm4:

 

[svynx]

I understand your thinking. Makes sence. There would be valves to shut one can out of the system while the other was tied into the running system. Filter sock could even be placed inside this container. During this time, the second can would be filled with RODI water and salt. This would be mixed and ready. When time came, hit the two valves on either side of the new can putting it into the system, and at the same time, close the valves on the existing can. Drain, clean (can and filter sock), refill, mix, and it's ready for the next change. Heck, that would make maintenance easy. Everytime you do a water change, you can clean out the filter sock since it's right there.
The only downside I see is the space that it would take up. Other than that, nice thinking.

 

[Seasafire]

Yes you have the idea, there would be nothing in the can except maybe the sock.
and you would need true union valves to make the swap seamless.
still working on the Ugly and the space needed.

 

[svynx]

If you have enough room to permanently house both cans next to each other, you could just plumb a tee off the drain, with the splits going into one or the other can. That would have valves on it. Then on the other side of the cans (going into sump) you would have the opposite...valve, to tee, to sump. That way you wouldn't have to move anything around. Two valves and you've switched cans.

 

[BeanAnimal]

I use two 30 breeders for the same basic setup

 

[shikhyung]

Beananimal, can you post your set up. thanks.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Not much to post... I have (2) 30 gallon breeders as part of the sump system (beside my 75 gallon sump). Currently (not finished with a remodel project) only (1) is being used.
During normal operation water flows to and from the 30 gallon by means of a circulation pump from the main sump. Currently, to do a water change, I close the valves to the 30 breeder and open a drain valve. Once it is empty, I refill it with water from my 30 gallon rubbermaid and open the valves back up. Water chagne done. In the near future (I have been saying that for 2 years) I will plumb the second 30 breeder in so that all I have to do is open and close valves.

 

[Qwiv]

I do this on one of my tanks and it works great. i actually use tanks though.
I like it because it acts as a settling tank which I can vacuum clean durring a water change. I also like that it serves as my quarantine tank as well by switching tanks and leaving the old water in the first tank with a powerhead, LR and maybe a HOB. Acclimation is a breeze because you can open the valve a little and slowly let the two tanks mix water.

The only thing I don't like is I am effectively adding water volume which makes the % of water change during a water change lower. This sucked because you can never do a large water change this way. I solved this my setting up my plumbing so that I can run the tank with no extra tanks installed, one installed or both installed. I typically run the tank with both online and full of cheato. I take the cheato out and put it on the actual sump, trimming in the process. Then I tank the (2) tanks off line, empty and clean. I then mix new water, test the water to make sure it can the right PH, ALK, CA, MG etc and reconnect to the system slowly. Water changes take longer, but are 100% stress free. I also converted the skimmer to a constant water change and I am happy as a clam.

 

[Indymann99]

BWC system (Bucketless Water Change)

Diagram
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/Indymann99BWCsystemjpg.jpg

Yeah I was stupid and should have plumbed separate lines for drain and fill... :sad1:

But Water changes are 10min (includes vac sump with shop vac to get out detrus in skimmer and return sections). :beer:

PVC in wall going from tank location (sump) to the Mix room (under stairs in mech room)
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/Tankframing.jpg

Mix room with Brute mix tank
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/MixRoom.jpg

PVC plumbing so I can direct water from Mix tank to sump OR to the QT for easy WC there as well.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/QTinMixRm.jpg

Drain is the house basement sump pit
no picture

Final room shot
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/Roomfull52009.jpg

DT and Sump
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/Tankdoorsopen.jpg

 

[Seasafire]

Thanks Qwiv you have given me alot to think about.
The only reason I wouldn't plumb the cans permenantly
is that I don't have the room, I definatly would if I had a
equipment room. I also like the idea of having 30-50 gallons of
seawater in reserve for emergency or whatever comes up.
very productive thread thanks.