Water change question

[nfrench2100]

So I am getting ready to do a 10 gallon WC on my 75. This will be the first WC performed on this tank, as it’s been setup for approximately 3 weeks now. This will also be my very first WC I’ve performed on a tank with a sump. DT is clear of any detritus, while the sump has collected most, if not all of it. So i would like to siphon out of the sump, as opposed to the DT, to get detritus out. I did away with the filter sock about 2 days ago because it was catching tons of pods. I’ll be doing 5 gallons at a time (two 5 gallon buckets of fresh mixed RODI/SW mix)

Question is. Do I need to turn the return pump off or do anything else with sump when I do the WC? I keep trying to picture in my head how this is gonna go and just don’t want to mess anything up during the process. I hope this question makes some sort of sense lol

TIA!




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[Dmorty217]

I suppose you could turn off the return pump to do a water change. I never do and just watch the sump level when doing the water change to make sure the pump doesn't run dry. If you turn off the return make sure you have a check valve on the line so it doesn't syphon water back down into the sump from the DT

[Jon0807]

I would turn off the pump and the ATO. Looks like 10 gallons out of that sump would run the pump dry once the level got below your overflow.

[nfrench2100]

Originally Posted by Jon0807

I would turn off the pump and the ATO. Looks like 10 gallons out of that sump would run the pump dry once the level got below your overflow.

Thanks for the reply! Don’t forget that I’m doing two 5 gallon changes tho (limited on buckets) so I will do 5 gallons, refill fresh water, let circulate, then do another 5 gallons. Make sense? So would it still need to turn the return pump off? ATO will need to be turned off indefinitely I know


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[Jon0807]

Originally Posted by nfrench2100

Thanks for the reply! Don’t forget that I’m doing two 5 gallon changes tho (limited on buckets) so I will do 5 gallons, refill fresh water, let circulate, then do another 5 gallons. Make sense? So would it still need to turn the return pump off? ATO will need to be turned off indefinitely I know


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It really depends on if the level in the return area once you drain the 5 gallons. You don't need to turn ofd the return pump if it stays submerged. But then again, turning it off won't hurt anything either. The only problem would be if there isn't enough room in the sump for the water that drains out of the display tank once the pump is turned off. If that's the case then something needs to be done about that or else you'll have a flood on your hands when the power goes out.

[on the spot]

@ 3 weeks I wouldn't bother with a water change at all.

but if you must do something I'd turn off the return. pump out what you will from the sump and replace. turn the return back on and stop.

after displacement you are likely closer to actual 50 gallons of water anyway. 5 gallons is 10%, more than adequate.

You can of course change more but it's not necessary.

if the grit offends, a small net with a touch of poly batting inside swirled around that chamber will catch most of it. or just stir it up and send it back to the tank.

[rdnyva]

Detritus buildup will eventually cause nitrate problems. Do not send it back into the tank, get rid of it.

Do you realize that two 5 gallon water changes are not as effective as one 10 gallon wc?

[nfrench2100]

Thanks for your insight guys. This tank had little to zero cycle, as it was an established tank and none of the rock got out of temp or water during the move. So I want to get some detritus that’s accumulated out.

And i didn’t even think about the whole 5g and 5g as opposed to just all 10g at one go, so I’ll do that way instead

You guys rock


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[homer1475]

I do 10G out of my 80G with 30G sump. After displacement I have roughly 80G. lol

I turn off the equipment, let everything drain down, pump out 10G, pump in fresh 10G, turn on equipment. Takes all of 10 minutes.

[Jon0807]

Ok I have a question for you sump siphoners. What do you use to siphon the detritus out? My sump is at floor level so I can't use the normal siphon. I thought about using a maxijet but then I don't know if the hoses would stay on while I try to siphon detritus. Sorry for hijacking the thread

[homer1475]

Bucket head shop vac. Its just the wet/dry head and snaps onto a 5 gallon bucket.

Best 20$ I ever spent for my tank.

[nfrench2100]

Originally Posted by Jon0807

Ok I have a question for you sump siphoners. What do you use to siphon the detritus out? My sump is at floor level so I can't use the normal siphon. I thought about using a maxijet but then I don't know if the hoses would stay on while I try to siphon detritus. Sorry for hijacking the thread

No that’s actually a great question and I’m glad you asked lol. Because I didn’t even think about that


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[homer1475]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bucket-H...0100/202017218

[nfrench2100]

Originally Posted by homer1475

Bucket head shop vac. Its just the wet/dry head and snaps onto a 5 gallon bucket.

Best 20$ I ever spent for my tank.

That’s the coolest thing I’ve ever seen lol. I’ll be making a trip to Home Depot later


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[Jon0807]

Originally Posted by homer1475

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bucket-H...0100/202017218

Ohhhhhh very nice! I wonder if it's too late to add to my Christmas wishlist lol