Want Faster Water Changes?!

[Polyptasaurus]

So... the common syphon uses a 1/2" hose. So I went to Home Depot and bought a 10 foot hose that is 3/4" thick. You'd think that having a hose thats only 1/4" thicker wouldnt matter much, but it does. I then cut the end of the hose at an angle like this: /|
That angle actually allows for faster water intake. This hose syphons the water from the tank SO much faster than a common hose it isnt even comparable. I did a 50% water change on my 75g today in 1 minute. This is not an exageration. Try it out - PLEASE for your sake. It's amazing.

 

[greenterra]

I have been using 3/4" hose for years. It just takes too long with 1/2".

 

[chesterthehero]

2 3/4" hoses is the way to go..

 

[rallysman]

I'll one up the other two comments and say that a drip system is the way to go. lol.


Of course, if a drip system is not feasible, the bigger the hose, the faster the flow. Even small diameter increases make a huge difference.

 

[Full Metal Gundam]

been using a 1" hose for years 1/2" takes to long.

 

[Miguel4u2]

I take the easy way out, i use a 600 gph pump, LOL

 

[velanarris]

I use a pool filter backwash hose connected to a kiddie pool pump.

Sub 30 seconds to a 50% on my 90gal.

Then hook the spray bar up on the end of the pump and give the tank 30 seconds of rain at low velocity (larger sized holes on the spray bar). About 40 seconds to full. Gotta love the 5 minute 50%.

 

[siebertn]

i also do it the kiddy pool pump wc way beats standing there for 15 min

 

[velanarris]

i also do it the kiddy pool pump wc way beats standing there for 15 min

Best part about it is, if you're crafty, you can set a hard screen inline that will dump your substrate back out the top. Power gravel vacs are king.

I'm still trying to figure out how to do it for sand without breaking the pump, clogging, or being ineffective.

 

[RegalAngel]

I use one of two 1200 gph pumps on my 300g system to drain and fill my tank!