Automated water changes.

[BestMomEver]

I just read the article about water changes. I hate water changes. Say it again, class. “I hate water changes!” Subsequently, I do them rarely. But I find that when I actually do a water change, my parameters level out and if nothing else, I feel better about my tank. I desperately want to automate the process. I have an Apex so a DOS is a logical choice for automation. Problem is, they’re really expensive. I know there are other AWC systems out there. Would you guys mind sharing your water change methods and any automated systems you use? I’m looking for a better way.

 

[reeferKen]

If you are shooting for under 300 dollar range there is the autoaqua awc for 200 bucks. YouTube coralfish12g did a review on it.

 

[BestMomEver]

If you are shooting for under 300 dollar range there is the autoaqua awc for 200 bucks. YouTube coralfish12g did a review on it.

Is it as good as the DOS? Somehow I have in my head that the DOS is the best option here. I’m sure I’m wrong....

 

[reeferKen]

Well it's a system with pumps sitting in your tank. The DOS 300 bucks, seems a lot easier to me. But you metioned price point. There are some good YouTube DOS water change videos that look pretty nice and easier to me. Off topic.....but YouTube "Susan Nichols" is a neat busy mom of 11, a fellow reefer next to you in Georgia. I enjoy her channel so just passing it along. Thought you might also.

 

[luis carreiro]

You can also check out the Genesis AWC

 

[DarkSky]

I just read the article about water changes. I hate water changes. Say it again, class. “I hate water changes!” Subsequently, I do them rarely. But I find that when I actually do a water change, my parameters level out and if nothing else, I feel better about my tank. I desperately want to automate the process. I have an Apex so a DOS is a logical choice for automation. Problem is, they’re really expensive. I know there are other AWC systems out there. Would you guys mind sharing your water change methods and any automated systems you use? I’m looking for a better way.

I am right there with you. I have the worst case of lazy reefer syndrome when it came to water changes - so I ended up picking up a DOS. Yes, the initial expense is high, but holy cow it is game changing. I've changed over 50% of my 220g in the last couple of weeks, and now I'm doing 40g every week.

Save for a DOS. The Apex integration is honestly the best thing about setting up a water change. I just have to press a feed mode on my apex and it starts performing a change over a 24 hour period of time.

 

[JoshH]

I use a GHL 2.1 SA Doser for my WCs, a little tricky at first to get setup but I've loved it ever since. I prefer to keep some things not tied to a single controller but that's just me

 

[Aquavaj]

Does the DOS work with the Apex Classic or just the newer Apex?

 

[svogun]

I have used a neptune DOS for AWC for about 4 years now. Despite the initial cost, it is a wonderful system that IMO is worth the cost.

 

[luis carreiro]

Look at this system.
https://genesisreefsystems.com/

 

[JoshH]

Look at this system.
https://genesisreefsystems.com/

Definately the most expensive option on the market But I have heard nothing but good things about them.

 

[Huff747]

Does the DOS work with the Apex Classic or just the newer Apex?

Works with the classic as that's what I have.

 

[hart24601]

I picked up a used dual head easy load master flex adjustable pump on eBay not too long ago for $200 that I am using for awc. I have another one I use on my RW tank to change 30-60g per day for many years now.

Ime nothing can beat masterflex pumps for these applications. They normally last decades.here is the one I bought.

 

[Aquavaj]

Can you setup a simple system with an Apex, 2 mag pumps and float switches? My thinking is, time how long the pumps take to pump in/out desired water amount. Use that time to set Apex to control the pumps, either to manually to a feed mode or a set time. The float switches will be fail safes to shut off pumps.

 

[hart24601]

Can you setup a simple system with an Apex, 2 mag pumps and float switches? My thinking is, time how long the pumps take to pump in/out desired water amount. Use that time to set Apex to control the pumps, either to manually to a feed mode or a set time. The float switches will be fail safes to shut off pumps.

You need to measure very carefully how much each pump removed/adds since most pumps have a pretty big variance and make sure it doesn't change over time otherwise salinity can get messed up pretty fast, but yes you can do that. It just gets a bit cumbersome with wires and outlets.

 

[luis carreiro]

This is the benefit of the Genesis system. Always 1 gal removed and 1 gal replaced. No salinity drift.

 

[d2mini]

My system uses my GHL Profilux controller... it has the AWC programming built in.
Just need two level sensors and any two hobby pumps. It's very accurate because its using the level sensors. Takes water out until it gets to the bottom level sensor and then pumps water back in until it gets to the upper sensor, which is also the ATO sensor. ATO is automatically disabled while running the AWC. I run the AWC many times per day, small amounts. The tank inhabitants don't have a clue. lol

The Masterflex option posted above is my second choice. The only thing you have to be careful there is to make sure both pump heads are moving the same amount of water. If you have different length lines for instance, that can create an imbalance. Just double check to make sure you dont get salinity swings.

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

I have the DoS. I change 5gal a day. It removes 5 gal and replaces 5gal so the same benefit mentioned above? My only complaint would be the noise. It is kind of a loud unit.

 

[reeferKen]

This YouTube channel has some great info about using a spectrapure litermeter for continuous water changes. Also other videos on Servicing the pumps, and setting it up.