I have a cheap utility pump that I use to do water changes in the winter when I can't siphon out into the backyard. Many Discus people use pumps to do water changes, especially if they age water.
Why don't more people use a pump to do water changes?
- Thread starter asm129
- Start date
The Rio line of pumps is pretty cheap and pretty decent quality too. I use a Rio 3100 that I got with an older tank that I bought. Carrying 5g buckets is a pain. Just spend a little money on a pump and kink-resistant garden hose and your water changes will be so much easier. I know since I started using a pump to do W/C's, I enjoy the hobby a little more because it's less hassle than bringing in the Python tubing.
I use the backwash connector on my 2262 to let the water out...and then use a garden hose to fill the water up.
I use a garden hose straight to the floor drain to syphon out water and suck up poop, just hover near the poo, it does a better job at cleaning it up off my sand then my gravel vac. learned after switching to sand from gravel that it just wants to suck up all the sand
This is a good idea I hadn't yet thought of. I just created my own 'python' type setup (for about $8) and the siphon/drain is awfully slow as it is. I have a few Power Head 402's sitting in a box that I could easily plumb in-line to help increase the flow. Not sure if the inlet/outlet can be made to adapt to the 5/8" tubing but I'm not against paying a few bucks for an inline pump that is 5/8" inlet and outlet to add to this system. Any input on adapting one of these to work or some suggestions on inexpensive pumps that would be closer to my needs?
What a coincidence. I was just using my pump to to water changes last night after getting home from a holiday trip. I usually let gravity do the drainage (why waste electricity) but would occasionally use the pump if I don't have much time. It's a lot slower when I had to drain the water to the sink instead of to the floor and through a crack from a sliding door (as it's getting cold at night here).
I still carry 5gal buckets to add new water to my discus tank. It's an exercise for me
I still carry 5gal buckets to add new water to my discus tank. It's an exercise for me
+1
I just don't feel the need to use unnecessary electricity. I've done this in the past and it's fine, but getting out a water pump, attaching a hose to it, plugging it in...compared to just bringing out my Python and attach it to the faucet. I just find it less work to just use a Python. As for saving time...I do my water changes on my days off, so I got the time
I have 16 tanks in my fish room and my system seems to work pretty well. I do 40-50% WC weekly and it takes 1.5 hrs to do all tanks. I took a 55g trash can on wheels, a used sump pump, 75 ft garden hose, and extention cord to make my washing machine. I use a 3/4in hose to drain tanks into the trash can, role the can to next tank, drain, and continue until I need to turn on the pump (which empties into my basement sump). I can still role the can to next tank and drain that one while pump is on. The pump will empty the can in 2 min, then I will do the process over until all tanks are finished. With a seperate hose (connected to the washing machine outlet, set up to run hot and cold water even when the washing machine is running.), I follow the can around and fill up the tanks as I go. The process shaves 2hrs off of carrying buckets around and using a python. The pump doesn't run longer than 10 min total. So the electricity usage is not much. If you have a used sump pump and an extra rolling trash can, try it and see if it takes less time.
