Automatic water change VS manual

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Was talking about acquiring a Reef Filler pump and my lfs buddy told me that he knows of only one person who does what Randy Holmes-Farley does in regards to daily water changes.

My lfs buddy told me it'll cost slightly over Cdn$400++ to get a decent pump ....

Cost and noise are possible issues, but quite a few folks do these sorts of automatic water changes. It certainly wasn't my idea. The two channel Reef Filler I used was specifically sold for this purpose.

 

[Sea MunnKey]

I do know of a certain reefer who's so particular about even the slightest noise in and around his system but honestly the ocean isn't quiet at all. A little splashing/humming noise is fine with my family ... makes it sound like the ocean!!

 

[Superd513]

IMO, an AWC is a great tool. You can change water slowly and steadily over many days with little work, assuming you have a place to store the new salt water.

Whether there is preciptiation depends a bit on how high the alk is in the mix, the pH, and the temperature.

I can’t wait to automate my wc. Soon as my budget allows. I want to change one gal every day. I have a 28 gal JBJ nano. There are other tank monitors I want first. The Hanna marine temp/ph/salinity monitor. Is a must have for me. The rest of the parameters I can check on my own. I can’t afford an apex or I’d get one. They are so expensive.

 

[Superd513]

Anyone using the Jebao dosing pump for automatic water changes?

I wish. That’s the perfect platform for the money. IMO

 

[Superd513]

I do know of a certain reefer who's so particular about even the slightest noise in and around his system but honestly the ocean isn't quiet at all. A little splashing/humming noise is fine with my family ... makes it sound like the ocean!!

To me it’s like sleeping with a fan on. I have to have it. It goes off in wake up.

 

[Superd513]

Mine runs from the RODI in the garage to a 40g mixer sitting next to the tank and then back out and down to the city sewage tapout.

I have a few extra water lines and exit lines for extras and because i have more than one tank.

They are located where a leak will only result in water on the ground outside my house....not in.... (important to me) and they can be accessed quickly for replacement
All controlled by a DOS

Are you a plumber for a living? That’s the most impressive lines I’ve seen.

I recently setup the Genesis Renew, and I highly recommend it!! If it works for your setup, it's awesome. I previous did AWC with the Neptune DOS, but ended up with salinity drift because there will always be a slight difference in the amounts changed with a peristaltic pump due to different motors, and different tubing lengths. The Renew pretty well ensures a perfect 1:1 swap everytime due to the design.

Check out the recent install video I did in my fish room:

That’s amazing! Love the sump with live rock!!!

 

[Kfactor]

i say it always better to do manual water changes unless you have a big tank . i like the fact you can do the sand at the same time .