jcardona1's Super-easy DIY 24/7 water changer!

[jcardona1]

Oh, how thick is your sand? So if someone went with this System and kept sand, they would have to stir up the sand, right (to keep the - params on check)?



Q with Tiles... if you drop tiles in there, wont the poop and stuff get under the tile? Creating almost the same with the sand you had?

Or would you slap some under water glue on them??

This is one Q ive had since i read about Tile bottoms (Tiles would look G R E A T in a tank)

it all depends. have you checked what your nitrates under your current routine? if the nitrates are acceptable to you with what youre doing right now, then a water changer will work fine. if youre like me, where your nitrates were high even with big water changes, then youll either need to vac or stir the sand regularly. both of which i hadnt done on this tank. or just get rid of the sand like i did

with tiles, if they sit completely flat on the bottom and have are placed tightly against each other, i dont think debris will be a problem.

 

[West1]

it all depends. have you checked what your nitrates under your current routine? if the nitrates are acceptable to you with what youre doing right now, then a water changer will work fine. if youre like me, where your nitrates were high even with big water changes, then youll either need to vac or stir the sand regularly. both of which i hadnt done on this tank. or just get rid of the sand like i did

with tiles, if they sit completely flat on the bottom and have are placed tightly against each other, i dont think debris will be a problem.

I see. I havent checked the Params in my tank in ages...might be a good time to do so Lol.

I have a problem with always thinking about the worst so im prepared or I fix it now b4 I procrastinate (since thats my forte Lol)... so incase there is lots of debree from bottom dwellers or just cause, what would you have to do?? Move the tiles around every here and there to control the params??

Sorry for all these Q's big dogg... its just these 2 things have been on my mind (42 W/C & Tiles) and since they were brought up in your thread im asking

 

[jcardona1]

I see. I havent checked the Params in my tank in ages...might be a good time to do so Lol.

I have a problem with always thinking about the worst so im prepared or I fix it now b4 I procrastinate (since thats my forte Lol)... so incase there is lots of debree from bottom dwellers or just cause, what would you have to do?? Move the tiles around every here and there to control the params??

Sorry for all these Q's big dogg... its just these 2 things have been on my mind (42 W/C & Tiles) and since they were brought up in your thread im asking

yeah id say if you still cant keep nitrates in check then you may have buildup under the tiles. maybe just running a python hose along the seams may help get debris out of there. but i cant imagine it being worse than gravel or sand

 

[Pharaoh]

I have sand in every one of my tanks and have never had a problem with nitrates. I think J is one to something considering his bio load.

 

[tcarswell]

Any updates on the nitrate levels ?

 

[Venom SS]

^ good to hear. if it drops too much its time to go with titanium rods and an external controller

Ive been kicking around how I could do something like this for a long time. Ive seen alot of different ways of doing it but you made it look easy! Im allready using the titanium heaters and external Ranco controller. Thanks for the inspiration!

 

[Pharaoh]

How are the new drip emitters working out?

 

[jcardona1]

the new drippers are SWEET!!!!! theyre shipping is super fast. i love how you can just unscrew the cap and clean out the diaphragm if they get clogged. ill try to get a new nitrate reading today

 

[seangtat2kc]

nice walk through. you made it seem so easy. I hate doing water changes on my 400 every week. I'm just going to have to figure the drain system being my tanks in my great room. let you know how it works out and if i have any questions thanks.

 

[Combs125]

Awesome! What are your chances of that drain line outside of the garage freezing?