Water change on a big tank

kettlecorn · 09/29/2010, 03:15 PM

I've only been in the hobby for about 6 months and been working with nanos. I was wondering, how do people with bigger tanks do water changes? With a 12gallon nano or a 34gal RSM, it's a bucket out, bucket in. But for someone with like a 400g tank, or even a 90-100g, that's a lot of water to be moving every week, or even just once for that matter.

How are big tanks water maintained?

theatrus · 09/29/2010, 03:21 PM

After a bit buckets become impractical. Often times, if there is a drain nearby, you can use lots of hose to pump out X gallons, and then reverse it to pump in the same amount from a garbage can/other large container holding the salt water mix. Due to the added filtration (skimmers, refuge) and supplementation (Ca reactor), you can get by with smaller total water changes.

I almost need to do that with my 90G, but would require a lot of tubing to pull it off.

RcToners · 09/29/2010, 03:22 PM

I have two 32 gal containers for mine, I simply make my saltwater in them, drain 64 gallons out of the main tank and pump the new water back in.

olemiss reb · 09/29/2010, 03:24 PM

I do 5 gallons every other day on my 90 and 150s. I find numerous smaller water changes to be easier/less mess than infrequent large changes.

jlawson382 · 09/29/2010, 03:28 PM

I've been cheating a bit, and do one gallon a day changes in my 120 with an old milk jug - but when its time for a serious water change (like this weekend), it's time to break out the spare mag pump and hoses.

SWINGRRRR · 09/29/2010, 03:29 PM

I have a "water tower" in my garage. I drain out the Backdoor to patio. And run a 30 ft line from the garage. I let it drain/refill for an hour and call it even. No schlepping jugs.

fatdaddy · 09/29/2010, 03:29 PM

I use Brute Trash cans to move water around. Essentially, a bigger bucket.

Some have automatic systems will do water changes. I'm not sure how they work, but I suspect they need a large reservoir of salt water to draw from.

I've also heard of a "kidney" like filter that automatically pulls out organics, does water changes, etc, but sells for several $1000. Bit out of price range.

I like to do some cleaning, filter changes, blowing detritus off rocks, etc when I do water changes, so I haven't bothered with automated systems.

fatdaddy · 09/29/2010, 03:41 PM

Dialysis System:
http://www.seavisions.com/prod02.htm

SWINGRRRR · 09/29/2010, 03:51 PM

Dialyseas are not worth the money, IMHO. They don't do anything more a well designed RODI unit would do.
But I have no personal experience. Just what I read online, so it must be true.

03sonicstang · 09/29/2010, 03:53 PM

I have to say, I'm proud of my system. There are two ball valves, one drain one supply. Drains down to my basement and I pump the fresh saltwater up VIA a Mag 18. Works pretty good and it beats lugging buckets around...

[/QUOTE]

jefathome · 09/29/2010, 03:58 PM

I have a 200g system and I just plumbed a 55g drum into it. When I need to do a change I will simply turn off the "feed" pump to eth drum (from the sump), empty the drum onto the side yard (talk about a weed killer!!) fill it back up, bring it up to temp and then turn the power back on. I can change out 50g now much more easily than I could on my old 100G system.

Plus the fish don't even know what is going on since there is never a hose in the main tank and the water level never moves.

Palting · 09/29/2010, 04:24 PM

Pre-planning on placement is key. Build everything around where you want the tank. I have a wall drain, like what you use for a clothes washer, right beside the 150 gal tank, total 200 gal system. I have an RODI unit that stores RODI in the back in a 55 gal BRUTE behind a wall. I mix the saltwater in a 20 gal bin beside that, aerate and agitate for 24 hrs or so, then drain the DT to a pre-marked spot exacttly at 20 gal, then pump the water from the bin to the tank. Easy.

kettlecorn · 09/29/2010, 04:47 PM

Haha damn that is a lot of work. Or at least much higher maintenance than the 34 gallon Im dealing with right now (in terms of water change).
Question answered! Thanks

Palting · 09/29/2010, 04:53 PM

LOL!!! You do carry buckets for that 34 as you said in your first post, don't you? I don't, and it's for a 200 gal system!

.

bbnz · 09/29/2010, 05:15 PM

I just use a Python No Spill hose to drain the sump. Turn off the pumps, drain the 40 sump, and refill from a 55 gallon holding barrel I set up the day before. The barrel is an eyesore but only for one day every couple of months.

khaosinc · 09/29/2010, 05:43 PM

I usually manage to spill enough that I don't need to do water changes... LOL

When I do I have a 100 and a 250 gallon tubs and I have enough leaway to drain a couple hundred gallons out of the system and refill..

and I agree... great weedkiller for the driveway.

crvz · 09/30/2010, 07:36 AM

For my 300 gallon display, I've got a 32 gallon brute trashcan currently, but I intend to automate water changes in the near future. I've got a utility sink next to the tank for draining water, and a 50 gallon tank mounted above the display will allow for quick addition of new water.

rocride · 09/30/2010, 09:42 AM

i saw once where someone plumbed accross a section in their sump,from baffle to baffle,normal operation the plumbing would be closed off with ball valves and when time for a w/c open the valves and remove/add water from/to said sump section without shutting off the main system

cjs3055 · 09/30/2010, 01:32 PM

i have a 32 gal garbage can on wheels

and a couple extra powerhead to mix and a sump pump to pump the water back to the tank. there isn't any lifting

SWINGRRRR · 09/30/2010, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocride

i saw once where someone plumbed accross a section in their sump,from baffle to baffle,normal operation the plumbing would be closed off with ball valves and when time for a w/c open the valves and remove/add water from/to said sump section without shutting off the main system

Heres 1

jeff@zina.com · 09/30/2010, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kettlecorn

With a 12gallon nano or a 34gal RSM, it's a bucket out, bucket in.

For larger tanks you trade the bucket for a 55 gallon drum.

Same idea. Only pumps and plumbing usually take the place of a bucket brigade. You can put out a camp fire with a bucket of water from the lake. To put out a hotel fire requires pumper trucks and big hoses.

Jeff

rocride · 09/30/2010, 06:49 PM

that's the one!!

khaosinc · 09/30/2010, 08:09 PM

This is my old set up (wasn't big enough) Had it running on the system constantly and when I wanted to do a water change, I just killed the pump, drained refilled and mixed to taste..

09/29/2010, 03:15 PM	#1
kettlecorn Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 308	Water change on a big tank I've only been in the hobby for about 6 months and been working with nanos. I was wondering, how do people with bigger tanks do water changes? With a 12gallon nano or a 34gal RSM, it's a bucket out, bucket in. But for someone with like a 400g tank, or even a 90-100g, that's a lot of water to be moving every week, or even just once for that matter. How are big tanks water maintained?

09/29/2010, 03:21 PM	#2
theatrus 100-mile-commuter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: almost nevada Posts: 4,721	After a bit buckets become impractical. Often times, if there is a drain nearby, you can use lots of hose to pump out X gallons, and then reverse it to pump in the same amount from a garbage can/other large container holding the salt water mix. Due to the added filtration (skimmers, refuge) and supplementation (Ca reactor), you can get by with smaller total water changes. I almost need to do that with my 90G, but would require a lot of tubing to pull it off. __________________ Custom electronics purveyor. blueAcro.com Current Tank Info: 90g SPS+mixed reef (10 yrs): LEDBrick LEDs, 40g custom sump, Ca reactor, chiller, Vortech, lots of custom electronics

09/29/2010, 03:22 PM	#3
RcToners Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Key Largo, FL Posts: 1,008	I have two 32 gal containers for mine, I simply make my saltwater in them, drain 64 gallons out of the main tank and pump the new water back in. __________________ Current Main Tank Info: 375g display + 120g fuge 2 Tunze 6105's with 7106 multi controller - Reeflo Orca 200 Skimmer with Pro Cup - 4 AI Sol Blue Led Modules Perc Clowns, Mystery Wrasse, Kole Tang, Purple Tang, Diamond Watchman, Cleaner Shrimp, Tiger Pistol Shrimp, Wheelers Shrimp Goby, Bullet Goby, Purple Carpet, Red/Green Open Brains, Candy Canes, Hammer Coral, Green Orange Blue Pink & Yellow Ricordea, Orange Tube Coral, Several Multicolor Zoos, Button Polyps, & Several Multicolor Shrooms

09/29/2010, 03:24 PM	#4
olemiss reb Molon Labe Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,550	I do 5 gallons every other day on my 90 and 150s. I find numerous smaller water changes to be easier/less mess than infrequent large changes. __________________ secesh

09/29/2010, 03:29 PM	#6
SWINGRRRR Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Pcola FL Posts: 2,504	I have a "water tower" in my garage. I drain out the Backdoor to patio. And run a 30 ft line from the garage. I let it drain/refill for an hour and call it even. No schlepping jugs. __________________ Have you ever tried to hold a monkey still if it is not drunk ~ insteng Current Tank Info: 45gal Rimless mixed reef--SWC 150BMK--2xMP10ESW--Giesemann 150W HQI

09/29/2010, 03:28 PM	#5
jlawson382 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 35	I've been cheating a bit, and do one gallon a day changes in my 120 with an old milk jug - but when its time for a serious water change (like this weekend), it's time to break out the spare mag pump and hoses.

09/29/2010, 03:29 PM	#7
fatdaddy Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Northeast Florida Posts: 1,191	I use Brute Trash cans to move water around. Essentially, a bigger bucket. Some have automatic systems will do water changes. I'm not sure how they work, but I suspect they need a large reservoir of salt water to draw from. I've also heard of a "kidney" like filter that automatically pulls out organics, does water changes, etc, but sells for several $1000. Bit out of price range. I like to do some cleaning, filter changes, blowing detritus off rocks, etc when I do water changes, so I haven't bothered with automated systems. __________________ "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." -- Aristotle

09/29/2010, 03:41 PM	#8
fatdaddy Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Northeast Florida Posts: 1,191	Dialysis System: http://www.seavisions.com/prod02.htm __________________ "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." -- Aristotle

09/29/2010, 03:51 PM	#9
SWINGRRRR Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Pcola FL Posts: 2,504	Dialyseas are not worth the money, IMHO. They don't do anything more a well designed RODI unit would do. But I have no personal experience. Just what I read online, so it must be true. __________________ Have you ever tried to hold a monkey still if it is not drunk ~ insteng Current Tank Info: 45gal Rimless mixed reef--SWC 150BMK--2xMP10ESW--Giesemann 150W HQI

09/29/2010, 03:53 PM	#10
03sonicstang Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 500	I have to say, I'm proud of my system. There are two ball valves, one drain one supply. Drains down to my basement and I pump the fresh saltwater up VIA a Mag 18. Works pretty good and it beats lugging buckets around... [/QUOTE]

09/29/2010, 03:58 PM	#11
jefathome Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Mission Viejo, CA Posts: 2,915	I have a 200g system and I just plumbed a 55g drum into it. When I need to do a change I will simply turn off the "feed" pump to eth drum (from the sump), empty the drum onto the side yard (talk about a weed killer!!) fill it back up, bring it up to temp and then turn the power back on. I can change out 50g now much more easily than I could on my old 100G system. Plus the fish don't even know what is going on since there is never a hose in the main tank and the water level never moves. __________________ Without Geometry, life is pointless Current Tank Info: NEW 150g in-wall Solartube display; 60g 4x2ft frag tank; 3g work Pico.... all Reef tanks

09/29/2010, 04:24 PM	#12
Palting Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,912	Pre-planning on placement is key. Build everything around where you want the tank. I have a wall drain, like what you use for a clothes washer, right beside the 150 gal tank, total 200 gal system. I have an RODI unit that stores RODI in the back in a 55 gal BRUTE behind a wall. I mix the saltwater in a 20 gal bin beside that, aerate and agitate for 24 hrs or so, then drain the DT to a pre-marked spot exacttly at 20 gal, then pump the water from the bin to the tank. Easy. __________________ Anything I post is just an opinion. One of many in this hobby. Believe and follow at your own risk of rapid and complete annihilation of all life in your tank :) Current Tank Info: Incept 3/2010, 150 RR, 50g sump, 20g fuge, 150w 15K MH x3, T5 actinics x8, moonlight LED x6, 1400gph return, Koralia 1400 x4, 300 g skimmer, 4 tangs, 2 mandarins, 2 perc, 6 line, 3 cardinals, 2 firefish, SPS, LPS, zoas, palys, shrooms, clam

09/29/2010, 04:47 PM	#13
kettlecorn Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 308	Haha damn that is a lot of work. Or at least much higher maintenance than the 34 gallon Im dealing with right now (in terms of water change). Question answered! Thanks

09/29/2010, 04:53 PM	#14
Palting Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,912	LOL!!! You do carry buckets for that 34 as you said in your first post, don't you? I don't, and it's for a 200 gal system! . __________________ Anything I post is just an opinion. One of many in this hobby. Believe and follow at your own risk of rapid and complete annihilation of all life in your tank :) Current Tank Info: Incept 3/2010, 150 RR, 50g sump, 20g fuge, 150w 15K MH x3, T5 actinics x8, moonlight LED x6, 1400gph return, Koralia 1400 x4, 300 g skimmer, 4 tangs, 2 mandarins, 2 perc, 6 line, 3 cardinals, 2 firefish, SPS, LPS, zoas, palys, shrooms, clam

09/29/2010, 05:15 PM	#15
bbnz Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 54	I just use a Python No Spill hose to drain the sump. Turn off the pumps, drain the 40 sump, and refill from a 55 gallon holding barrel I set up the day before. The barrel is an eyesore but only for one day every couple of months.

09/29/2010, 05:43 PM	#16
khaosinc The cyborg reefer Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NW Washington state Posts: 2,345	I usually manage to spill enough that I don't need to do water changes... LOL When I do I have a 100 and a 250 gallon tubs and I have enough leaway to drain a couple hundred gallons out of the system and refill.. and I agree... great weedkiller for the driveway. __________________ Disclaimer: I have not yet figured out how to install a breathalizer on my computer. Current Tank Info: It's all torn down... someday I might rebuild.

09/30/2010, 07:36 AM	#17
crvz Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: houstonia Posts: 7,989	For my 300 gallon display, I've got a 32 gallon brute trashcan currently, but I intend to automate water changes in the near future. I've got a utility sink next to the tank for draining water, and a 50 gallon tank mounted above the display will allow for quick addition of new water. __________________ -Chris- You don't win friends with salad. "Look! They're trying to learn for free!" ... "Use your phony guns as clubs!" Current Tank Info: rectangluar? wet?

09/30/2010, 09:42 AM	#18
rocride Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 162	i saw once where someone plumbed accross a section in their sump,from baffle to baffle,normal operation the plumbing would be closed off with ball valves and when time for a w/c open the valves and remove/add water from/to said sump section without shutting off the main system __________________ 120g mixed

09/30/2010, 01:32 PM	#19
cjs3055 Moved On Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 55	i have a 32 gal garbage can on wheels and a couple extra powerhead to mix and a sump pump to pump the water back to the tank. there isn't any lifting

09/30/2010, 06:49 PM	#22
rocride Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 162	that's the one!! __________________ 120g mixed

09/30/2010, 08:09 PM	#23
khaosinc The cyborg reefer Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NW Washington state Posts: 2,345	This is my old set up (wasn't big enough) Had it running on the system constantly and when I wanted to do a water change, I just killed the pump, drained refilled and mixed to taste.. __________________ Disclaimer: I have not yet figured out how to install a breathalizer on my computer. Current Tank Info: It's all torn down... someday I might rebuild.

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