Tired of carrying buckets!

[monkeybike]

How does that work? I've read about it on the forums. I'm just not sure what it means.

My tanks are a 40 and a 180 sharing a sump


I have a 3 stage cartridge filter (sediment and 2 cto carbon inserts) running from a water hookup (split from my washing machine water lines) with a 40 GPD restrictor in line. Water runs into the main tank and the sump is drilled for overflow at the running water level of the sump. The overflow from the sump runs to a floor drain.

I use a mixing valve at the water hookup to run tank temp water into the tank, but lots of people dont.

I use pool filter sand in the tank so nothing settles in like it would with a gravel bottom. I also have a lot of current to sweep debris into my canister filters and filter socks.

 

[monkeybike]

I would also like to know more about this. Specifically wonder how you dechlorinate the water?

See my post above.

The cto carbon cartridges are good for 20k gallons, but I change them about every 6 to 8 months

 

[JAYBIRD1011]

See my post above.

The cto carbon cartridges are good for 20k gallons, but I change them about every 6 to 8 months

Sounds great. But I don't think it will work for me. No space. If I ever have a dedicated fish room it may be a possibility. I would love to have a larger system like that.

 

[narayanang76]

I have a 220G and I do weekly 40% WC. Have been using Python for long time, Large gravel Vacuum kit (24") and large extension hose (I believe 50 ft). I connect the kit to the kitchen sinc, and do drain and refill with just turning on/off the bottom part of the Python pump, that connects to the tap.

Overall drain and refill completes in around 45 minutes time. Having the 24" vacuum kit helps me to occasionally vacuum the white sand I have in the tank as well, they gets moved around nicely without getting drained through the hose. Overall less effort from my experience.

 

[jaws7777]

I use a regular garden hose cheap and effective. When its warmer out i use and old pump connected to pool filter hose

 

[Fishflyer]

Friend uses recirculating fountain pump hooked into garden hose with shut off off for draining at drain end. At aquarium end the pump is attached to permanently attached PVC pipe. Elbow at aquarium edge and hose attachment. Attaches hose, runs to toilet. Adapter for kitchen sink for refilling.
I have a fountain pump. Will look into Python option, as I have multiple tanks, some small, some not.

 

[koipie doll]

You can add as much tubing as needed to reach the faucet. However stay away from garden hose. After a while it sheds it’s lining, and kills your fish. I learned the hard way.

 

[Fishflyer]

Thank you for that. I know one can get any size tubing fairly cheaply by the foot at the hardware store.

 

[spotfin]

I used a python for many years to fill my tanks, not empty them. When using it to drain you turn on the faucet to create the vacuum. Do you have to run the faucet the entire time you are removing water from the tank? Seems like it wastes a lot of water if so.

 

[Mdoka]

I used a python for many years to fill my tanks, not empty them. When using it to drain you turn on the faucet to create the vacuum. Do you have to run the faucet the entire time you are removing water from the tank? Seems like it wastes a lot of water if so.

I use a python with 2’ gravel tube and with 50’ of hose to both empty and fill 3 tanks weekly when doing changes. You do not have to have the water running to make it drain. The only time you may run into a problem is if your sink or wherever you are draining it to is higher than the tank. I run my hose out the front door. The wife’s flowers love it! Lol!