Fully automated water changes

[d3adlydesignz]

Hello, I recently got into the hobby less then a year ago. Since then I have acquired 4 tanks and nearly 100 fish to keep up with. And as many people on here know it can tend to be a ton of work! So, with that being said I'm thinking of doing a automatic water change system. This will include only my 3 main tanks that are in the basement. The idea is to get 3 submersible pumps that will run for 30 mins once a week. Then I will create a mount on the side of each tank that will have a float system like a toilet has. So once the water level lowers it will auto refill to the desired level. If anyone has ever done anything like this or has any ideas or suggestions please let me know! This should be fun making and trying to figure out all the details in something like this.

P.S. The percentage of water removed from each tank is based on number of fish as well. For example the tank with the 33% water change is very overstocked and the 25% is just right.

 

[HarleyK]

How about an old fashioned drip system? Anytime you have floats and pumps, you introduce the possibility for failure. A drip with filters or a water-driven injector will run without many mechanical and with no electrical parts...

 

[d3adlydesignz]

I honestly never seen or heard of a drip system.

 

[xraycer]

P.S. The percentage of water removed from each tank is based on number of fish as well. For example the tank with the 33% water change is very overstocked and the 25% is just right.

I'd highly recommend doubling your w/c percentages and frequency. At least 50% twice a week.

Yes, I've read about people using a method like you have described. It should work fine once fined tuned, but you're going to want to put in place multiple safeguards to prevent flooding and complete drainage of your tanks.

 

[d3adlydesignz]

Correct as far as fully draining. I plan on putting it to the maximum level I would want to drain. And I will be doing multiple timers instead of one. And as far as flooding I wouldn't prefer it but it wouldn't be too bad. All tanks are in my basement.

 

[d3adlydesignz]

Also when you say double my water change percentages. Why do you say that?

 

[xraycer]

And as far as flooding I wouldn't prefer it but it wouldn't be too bad. All tanks are in my basement.

One problem with flooding, besides flooring, is that it could effect temp, which could be deadly to your fish. A 78F tank could quickly become 55F

 

[d3adlydesignz]

Water will be adjusted to 75° at all times. "Until hot runs out" Only possible way that will happen is if I'm not home. And if I plan on being away for a long time I could just disable the timer and do it manual when I return. Not saying your right. But 90% of the time I will be home to catch if it something like that did happen.

 

[xraycer]

Also when you say double my water change percentages. Why do you say that?

Haven't been in the hobby for several decades, I have concluded that water change is the major key to successful fishkeeping. If I could do 100% daily w/c, I would.

 

[d3adlydesignz]

Haven't been in the hobby for several decades, I have concluded that water change is the major key to successful fishkeeping. If I could do 100% daily w/c, I would.

Yes very true.! I think smaller multiple changes is more effective in the long run. Only due to stressing the fish. So maybe I'll do about 30% twice a week.