Inline water change tanks

[banshee1]

So I'm building a basement sump and i want to incorparate 2 seperate tanks for doing water changes. I want to run these tanks inline with the system with only 1 at a time being used. So basicly i can mix fresh saltwater in 1 tank while the other is just a flow through within the system. When it's time for a water change all i have to do is turn a valve and it shuts off 1 tank and opens the other one. Then i drain that tank mix fresh saltwater and so forth. Has anyone done anything like this?

 

[stingythingy45]

I use my return pump via ball valves to evacuate my sump of water from the basement with an old garden hose.
Then refill using a large Brute trash barrel and a maxijet 1200 or larger pump.
Using the return pump sure saves the back.

 

[nemodan]

I do something that I believe is simple. I stop the water flow between tank and fuge. I drain ~ 70-80 % of the fuge water with a pump (till the pump height, ~2" above the bottom). Then I fill the fuge with new marine water till the level it was. And start all the system.

I have a very standard water mixing system. 2 brutes (RODI, Marine water). They are NOT connected. A pump pass water from the RODI brute using a hose to the mixing brute. From there, another pump, through a hose, fill the fuge.

Simple and easy and difficult to make a mistake. Brutes are over wheels if I need to move them.

Why you don't do your water changes in the Sump directly ?

Cheers
Daniel

 

[One Eye]

Pretty cool idea. Just switch one off line when the other is ready. Always the same amount out as in.

The only problem I can see is that if it’s in line it will collect detritus but I suppose if you clean it when it’s empty you’d be all good.

 

[banshee1]

Yeah that the plan. They are going to be 29 gallon tank setup right next to each so when I switch over I'll be able to just take the one tank out and clean it

 

[banshee1]

It will be a cascade system so a quick turn of a couple valves and bam water change done. Clean the tank make up so fresh rodi and its ready to go for next time. So I'm basicly eliminating the need for a mixing station

 

[nemodan]

It will be a cascade system so a quick turn of a couple valves and bam water change done. Clean the tank make up so fresh rodi and its ready to go for next time. So I'm basicly eliminating the need for a mixing station

Aren't your 2 tanks the mixing station ?

 

[banshee1]

Technically yes but normally mixing stations arnt run inline with the tank itself.

 

[nemodan]

Technically yes but normally mixing stations arnt run inline with the tank itself.

So you are not eliminating the need of a mixed station. You have one......connected to the tank directly.

Your design is good as many others but simplicity is what make this hobby successful. That is all want I wanted to say. Make things in this hobby simple. You will reduce the probability of mistakes.

I will use those 2 tanks in line to have a big refugium and will assemble a classical mixing station nearby, in your basement.

The fuge will be a good addition. And to work has to be big. And you have there 2 tanks that can be used for that purpose.

I have a 65 G display tank with a 40 G breeder fuge.

I am uploading a video so you can see how easy is to do WC, if you built an external mixing station.

I didn't realized I change the position of the phone. So be careful with your neck when watching it .

All what I said and do came from all my years in the hobby.

Make it easy !!!!!

But is your tank and your hobby. Just trying to help.

Best !!!

 

[banshee1]

I will also have a 30 gallon refugium along with a 55 gallon skimmer tank along with a 10 gallon return tank.

 

[nemodan]

I will also have a 30 gallon refugium along with a 55 gallon skimmer tank along with a 10 gallon return tank.

Nice.... !!!

I will make the 30 + the 50 refugiums and the skimmer in the smallest tank of all the tanks in line. My filtration system is the fuge , 5 media columns filled with Matrix , the mangroves growing in a HOB Petco filter and the tanks rocks. Plus all the macro algaes in the fuge.

Well enjoy the hobby. I just took this pictures for you.








Cheers