Automated water change
- Thread starter Copp81
- Start date
I started out with a similar system but have simplified my system over thirty years of experience obtained from running several hundred tanks. It's amazing how many technical issues can and have occured. Essentially I look for ways to remove potential problems. Not everyone has the same priorities as I do of course.
I use very low pressure cold water continous slow feed from a dedicated tap with pressure compensating micro irrigation drippers on 4mm black tubing. No timer, no solenoid, no drain cycle, no heating, no taps, no pumps or electricity. Tank water is removed by displacement. The low water pressure solves a lot of potential problems and the mess a high pressure leak creates especially if your away on a holiday. The 4mm low pressure flexible black tube hugely reduces set up cost, visibility and complexity of plumbing. Keep the drippers above water so you can visually check they are working. Once I'm satisfied with the tap water pressure, I remove the tap handle so it can't get changed unintentionally. The slow flow enables longer dwell time through carbon filters which improves their efficiency and reduces temperature shock differences.
If drainage is an issue, your drain lines can be quite small because it's only drips to handle although bigger drains are always better.
Some of my tanks are very large and some are small.
I use very low pressure cold water continous slow feed from a dedicated tap with pressure compensating micro irrigation drippers on 4mm black tubing. No timer, no solenoid, no drain cycle, no heating, no taps, no pumps or electricity. Tank water is removed by displacement. The low water pressure solves a lot of potential problems and the mess a high pressure leak creates especially if your away on a holiday. The 4mm low pressure flexible black tube hugely reduces set up cost, visibility and complexity of plumbing. Keep the drippers above water so you can visually check they are working. Once I'm satisfied with the tap water pressure, I remove the tap handle so it can't get changed unintentionally. The slow flow enables longer dwell time through carbon filters which improves their efficiency and reduces temperature shock differences.
If drainage is an issue, your drain lines can be quite small because it's only drips to handle although bigger drains are always better.
Some of my tanks are very large and some are small.
Last edited:
I debated the continuous drip option. Could have set it up easy with a 1/4" line and a valve. Had the solenoid valve a smart switch so went that way. The drip system is a very good one
looks good. are you just having the water overflow and drain out with the water change like a drip?
