The best way for Water Changes

[West1]

Im planing on getting a big tank next year and wanted ideas or input on the quickest way to do water weekly changes.

I thought of putting a drain on the bottom of my tank (it will be bare bottom) and with the current I plan to have, it should have all the particles (driftwood), pooh etc... moving and easyer to do water changes. Im just trying to have a plan before I set up and want to change something. I was thinking of like a 2" pvc drain with a shutoff valve. Yes/No?

What do you guys think?
Whats your method of large water changes?

 

[HarleyK]

Howdy,

A drain in the bottom creates potential 100 % leakage. Imagine the stopper breaks...

Check HERE for the /\/\onster level. That's what I am planning on doing next.

So far, it's just been the 220 gal, a regular garden hose, and gravity. Buckets are only practical for small tanks.

Have fun with your new tank,
HarleyK

 

[rallysman]

Or, you can use this version if you don't have chloramine and want something a little more simple. http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27474

 

[Wolf3101]

Constant drip is the way to go provided your tap water is good or you use the output from an RO/DI set up.

 

[johnptc]

i vote for 24/7 water changes......

i automatically mix prime with tap water with a water powered pump called a dosmatic.

the output runs into the tank at a rate set over time to keep your nitrate level where you want it.

instead of a bottom drain use and over flow set a the water level you want....connect to sewer or outside etc......

works great. i dilute the prime with water so the dose is easy to control.





.

 

[squint]

A large powerhead or small submersible pump and a lot of 1/2" ID tubing. A remote on/off switch to control the pump is helpful too so you can turn the pump on or off while being at the other end of the hose.

 

[ercnan]

All good ideas and methods mentioned above.
This is my version. Though not 24/7 continuous, it's easy and stress free.
Understand this tank is in the basement, but will work anywhere, as long as the tank is higher the the pump.
I installed another tube (made of PVC) just like another filter intake.
Outside the tank is a ball valve. Beyond that is just a length of garden hose run to my A/C condensate pump.
Start the initial siphon (I know, it sucks ) and sit back to watch it drain.
The pump has a float switch that makes it turn on automatically. It pumps the water up and out through the wall to wifey's flower garden (Fish water is good for plants.)
When the water drains down to a determined level, ('bout 40 gallons for me.)
I get up and shut the valve off. Since the tube is deeper than the drain level, the siphon stays intact for the next time (no more sucking).
To refill, I simply added an "ice maker" kit with saddle valve to the existing house water line and ran it to one of the Emp. covers.
After I shut the drain off, I add prime to the tank, open the "ice maker" valve, and sit back down to finish my beer while it fills.
If I need to vac. the tank, I simply hook the vac .(with the correct fittings attached) to the previously mention "drain" tube, and do the same.
No hose dragging, no bucket carrying, etc.
For a simple water change, I open a valve, sit down, and wait. Then get up, close that valve and open another, add prime, and sit back down and wait.
When it's full, I close the second valve, and go on about my business.
BTW, I leave the filters running during the whole process, so there's no hurry for fear of dying bio.

 

[West1]

Thanks for the feedback, and I like them all.
Rallyman, Im going to have to get with you when I get close on getting my tank. I like your method.