Questions about WC

[allendehl]

Since I have some sponges on my LR and wouldn't want them to be exposed during WC, I got 2 800GPH pumps to assist me. One to take water out, one to bring new water in.

Questions:

1- How do you go about estimating gallons of water changed? When you say 20% or 50%...how you calculate it? I will trust the manufacturer and make my math based on the 800GPH, so 50% of my water at max flow should be removed in about 3.3 mins. (72G DT + 18G sump = 90G Total)

2- I assume that when you say you change 20% biweekly you talk about the entire system (DT + Sump) correct?

Thanks!

[sde1500]

Do the whole water change out of your sump. Power off the return, let water siphon out of the DT, then pump water out of, and then into, the sump. Run water into a 5 gallon bucket the first time, to measure the flow you get, this will give you an accurate gallons per minute reading to figure out how long you need.

[mcgyvr]

You really cannot do it based on time/pump rating.. Too many variables to be correct right of the bat.. But it might be close enough to start.. Just make sure you have extra water or really underestimate it..

Its a bit of a learning experience the first few times..
But it all depends on your process..
I would siphon into a 5G jugs twice to remove 10G .. Then simply add 10G of water back.. That was what I did and it was simple that way..

If you are pumping then you basically need to establish a water level that you stop pumping at.. Then see how much it takes to get back to your normal water level..
Then adapt/adjust as needed..

[Pandagobyguy]

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

You really cannot do it based on time/pump rating.. Too many variables to be correct right of the bat.. But it might be close enough to start.. Just make sure you have extra water or really underestimate it..

Its a bit of a learning experience the first few times..
But it all depends on your process..
I would siphon into a 5G jugs twice to remove 10G .. Then simply add 10G of water back.. That was what I did and it was simple that way..

If you are pumping then you basically need to establish a water level that you stop pumping at.. Then see how much it takes to get back to your normal water level..
Then adapt/adjust as needed..

This. Gph never seems accurate ime also

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[sde1500]

actually an interesting timing on the discussion after my last water change I've decided I'm very much sick of lugging buckets around. Starting to put together a plan to run a pump or two to make it easier. Plan is to do like mcgyvr suggested, just base it on the level of the sump.

[allendehl]

Originally Posted by sde1500

actually an interesting timing on the discussion after my last water change I've decided I'm very much sick of lugging buckets around. Starting to put together a plan to run a pump or two to make it easier. Plan is to do like mcgyvr suggested, just base it on the level of the sump.

Ok, WC done. Didn't go super smooth but as mc says, it is an adjustment process. Timing wise it took me much longer than needed, mostly because of setup and pack back up. I need tp improve on it.

My process is very similar to what you're planing. I placed a pump in my sump to dispose the water and a long hose that goes all the way out to the street. Another pump in the salt water tank with a hose to the sump. Both connected to the power strip right on the side of the sump This was a major plus, since I could turn on and off the intake depending on the sump level to avoid overflowing.

Pretty much all went well, except that somehow when I turned the return back up I messed up the sump level and (as mC said ) I ended up needing more water than what I had. Luckily I had some RODI so I mixed it and finished the change.

I wonder if it is easier to fill up through the DT..we'll see next WC.

Hope it helps!

Oh...and not even one bucket lifted!!...that's an improvement from my previous WC!