The dangers of water changes!

[esoxlucius]

I've been back in the hobby for around seven years now, and the subject of this thread has had me thinking back whether I've had any disasters or near misses during water changes in that time.

I'm staggered that I can't think of one thing that has gone wrong for me in all that time, not even close really. It's even more staggering when you think of all the things that can go wrong, and obviously do, for so many hobbyists.

Starting a water change after a busy day is something I very rarely do. Concentration is important and being tired can be problematic.

I've never switched anything off, and then forgotten to switch it back on. I've never forgotten to add prime. I've never mistakenly syphoned too much water out, or overfilled during the refill.

One area that does get me though is if someone in the house has a shower, or runs a bath, during the refill stage. It plays havoc with the temperature of the refill water. A prolonged and unchecked flush of stone cold water can be devastating. This aspect is something I'm totally anal about.

Now of course I've just gone and jinxed myself, that's how these things work.

Tune in soon to the Esox thread of water change devastation, lol.

 

[The Masked Shadow]

I hate it when someone is washing dishes or taking a shower while doing water changes. Sometimes it makes the water too warm, which imo is better than too cold.

I have forgotten to plug back in the heaters for a few days (thankfully it was during a warm spree, and the tank stayed at around 75 degrees). I also forget to add prime almost every time, remembering while I am filling it up and yelling at people to grab it while I am holding the hose, straining to reach it or grab it with my feet! It’s always so close, but just out of range!

 

[pacu mom]

Did it again just now. Miscalculated and overfilled the tank - water everywhere from water spilling out of the wet/dry filter. Because water changes are so easy just opening and closing valves, getting distracted can result in a catastrophe. Just timed this first water change. 6.5 minutes to dump out 130+ gallons/13.5 minutes to overfill the tank with 78 degree water. My biggest problem besides flooding, is waiting for more hot water. Talked to a heating/plumbing expert today about water heater options, got distracted ...burned my pita chips baking in the oven.

 

[jjohnwm]

Look into an on-demand water heater dedicated to your fish room. Takes up very little space, provides essentially limitless water at the temperature you require, very energy-efficient because there is no storage tank losing heat. You can likely get by with a small one designed for a single washroom or washtub, since the lowest setting still heats the water warmer than you need it. Then run a cold water line alongside the output from the heater to a pressure-mixing valve and you are golden.

I was having problems choosing the right size of heater and setting it up for my fishroom, since that's not what they are intended for. A plumber friend fixed me up and I am so pleased with the results that I am planning on replacing my stone-age electric hot water tank with a whole-house version of the on-demand heater as soon as the current one gives up the ghost.

 

[pacu mom]

Look into an on-demand water heater dedicated to your fish room. Takes up very little space, provides essentially limitless water at the temperature you require, very energy-efficient because there is no storage tank losing heat. You can likely get by with a small one designed for a single washroom or washtub, since the lowest setting still heats the water warmer than you need it. Then run a cold water line alongside the output from the heater to a pressure-mixing valve and you are golden.

I was having problems choosing the right size of heater and setting it up for my fishroom, since that's not what they are intended for. A plumber friend fixed me up and I am so pleased with the results that I am planning on replacing my stone-age electric hot water tank with a whole-house version of the on-demand heater as soon as the current one gives up the ghost.

Thank you for your input. I totally agree with you. I have the longest big tank upgrade in the history of fish forums. Unfortunately many surgeries for me with long periods of incapacitation, family illness and death have put the big tank on hold. I haven't been in the tank in over 4 years. I have an on demand water heater in the new part of the house where the big tank is. There are hot/cold water lines above the tank, and there will be hot/cold water to the sump and the utility sink. Meanwhile, it is imperative to maintain pristine water in the way too small 300 gallon tank. About three 130 gallon water changes get the nitrates down to 0. I consulted with the expert today. It is possible to put in an on-demand heater. It would require major plumbing under the house or in the attic. The propane tank is at the other end of the property. The expert said there might be a way to run a line from the on demand system to the current equipment room.

I just need to get my act together and complete several major projects before I can get back to work in my fish tank. If everything worked well and got completed, my current equipment room will have been made into a pantry.....but on the other hand, the new master bathroom is just above the equipment room. Maybe it wouldn't be hard to bring the hot water line down to the equipment room. I'm calling the expert right now. Thanks for your thoughts.