john6
Member
I am looking to automate my new setup as much as possible and i am looking to auto water changes. Does anybody utilise this and if so what system do you use?
Yes lots of folk use or have at least tried an auto water change.
So much will depend on your personal circumstances, tank setup and position …..
For instance where is the nearest drain, do you have auto top up fitted, do you use water straight from the tap or through a filter, does you tank have a sump, how big is the tank etc etc…….
Then there is the definition of auto water change, would this be a permanent drip system of a once a week 50% change ?
What fail safes did you use?I used to use constant water change, using a peristaltic pump, i drilled a hole in the end of the tank at the water level, fitted a 6mm push fit bulkhead fitting., 6mm to drain and there you go
What do you mean?If you are doing this, bear in mind that if water is stored in plastic containers, phthalates will be released into the water
Best to use another glass tank, imho
He’s right in what he’s saying mate, I saw it all too often on Ultimate reef where peoples RO TDS has increased due to prolonged storage.What do you mean?
I used to store ro water for my reef tank for months at a time in a big 500 litre plastic container ready to mix for saltwater with no problems.
I did look at the aqua smart and it had some good reviews.He’s right in what he’s saying mate, I saw it all too often on Ultimate reef where peoples RO TDS has increased due to prolonged storage.
I myself never had any issue like you.
I use to run the Auto aqua smart AWC, it’s actually a really good bit of equipment, but I eventually decided you have to empty the waste water at some point anyway (unless you can run into a drain).
I don’t think it’s overly necessary on a freshwater tank (IMO).
It was great on a reef tank as it really helped with stability doing small frequent changes.
Plastic containers leech phthalates, the rate at which this happens is variable, overnight storage is not a problemWhat do you mean?
I used to store ro water for my reef tank for months at a time in a big 500 litre plastic container ready to mix for saltwater with no problems.
Float switch, just above normal water level, (from maplins), cut power to pump.What fail safes did you use?
Definitely not needed, but nice to have and I would argue that the stability aspect is a very good secondary reason to have one, while not as important as marine it can only be a good thing.I don’t think it’s overly necessary on a freshwater tank (IMO).
It was great on a reef tank as it really helped with stability doing small frequent changes.
Totally agree stability is important in any aquarium.Definitely not needed, but nice to have and I would argue that the stability aspect is a very good secondary reason to have one, while not as important as marine it can only be a good thing.