easier way to do water changes

[Noodles_Jefferson]

Hi. Wondering if anyone knows of an easier way to do water changes other than dumping 5 gallon jugs into the tank. My tank is only 29 gallons so I change out 5 gallons once a month. I've heard of automatic water changes but that doesn't seem realistic for a tank my size. I also read about a python syphon but that's not helpful either i think that's only for Fresh water tanks because it talks about putting water back in from the tap. any ideas?

 

[JTP424]

I bought a spare pump and keep it with my water change stuff, set the bucket next to the tank, ran an output hose into the tank and plug in the pump!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Search AWC for nano reef. Many threads on them.

 

[Noodles_Jefferson]

I bought a spare pump and keep it with my water change stuff, set the bucket next to the tank, ran an output hose into the tank and plug in the pump!

would you mind telling me what kind of pump. I was thinking if I could get the jug up higher like the same height as the tank base, i could probably siphon in the same way I syphon out, by sucking the tube to get it going.

 

[JTP424]

I think it was one of the Sicce small ones, didn't break the bank. Just something Salt rated I could attached a hose to. I end up with a few inches of water left over but I dump that back into my mixing station for next time.

 

[kyreefville]

I've done syphon into sump and thats better than pouring but have to turn return pump to keep the sump level low enough. Maybe your sump has 5 gallons of water space? I've also just put my ato in the new bucket and hit the fill button though it's slow. A pump in the bucket is faster and any old power head hooked to a hose would work.

 

[aSaltyKlown]

I use a Python to empty the water down my kitchen sink. Then run the Python to my 20 gallon brute and use a 1/3 HP 2450GPH submersible water pump I got on Amazon for $60. I have the pump connected to a WIFI outlet that i can turn on and off from my phone. The Brute is 50+ feet on the other side of the house and on level down. So the pump is pumping up a 14ft head height. Works like a champ.

 

[exnisstech]

Just dump 2.5 gallons in at a time. If you can get the jug up high enough to syphon you may as well pour it in. Only other option would be setting up an auto change system or a pump and a section of hose. I mix in the basement and pump upstairs using a pond pump and a long hose. Pump is connected to a remote controlled outlet.

 

[PotatoPig]

Could you get a small pump and some flexible PVC tubing?

 

[VintageReefer]

I’m lazy

I buy 5g of sw from LFS for 5$.
Check it’s 1.026. Sometime it’s 1.25. Add bit of salt if needed
Empty 5g out with python
Small ato pump and tubing in the bucket, pump water back in tank
Dump in what pump can’t get

 

[Noodles_Jefferson]

ok, thanks everyone. As I said, it's a small 29 gallon tank with HOB filter and protein skimmer. I don't have a sump or anything fancy. i'll just keep doing it the old fashioned way for now.

 

[Noodles_Jefferson]

I bought a spare pump and keep it with my water change stuff, set the bucket next to the tank, ran an output hose into the tank and plug in the pump!

if you could post a link to the type of pump you're talking about, that would be much appreciated!

 

[JTP424]

if you could post a link to the type of pump you're talking about, that would be much appreciated!

Syncra Silent 0.5 Pump (185 GPH)

Why does BRS recommend this? The Syncra Silent line of pumps come in many different sizes and will fit most tank needs. Sicce uses high quality magnets in their pumps, which allows them to spin smoother with less noise than almost all other pumps in their price category. If your tank needs a...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Here's what I use.