Automatic water changes... what's your setup?

  • Thread starter Thread starter RobW
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transferred. Oh really? What happens if you continously stir your saltwater reserve?
I think the biggest reason is that it’s not necessary. It’s extra electrical cost. Plus, depending on the salt mix and how much you mix, you may get precipitation of desired compounds. Some people still mix. It’s not the end of the world either way. I just see no reason to do it.
 
I think the biggest reason is that it’s not necessary. It’s extra electrical cost. Plus, depending on the salt mix and how much you mix, you may get precipitation of desired compounds. Some people still mix. It’s not the end of the world either way. I just see no reason to do it.

Gotcha. So nothing detrimental then really? Cool, thanks.
 
I use a Spectrapure Litermeter III and remote Pump module. two and one half gallons a day. 180 gal display tank.

Does the remote pump have to plug into the liter meter? I've been trying to find something that can carry the water a long distance, but the pumps can't connect electrically.
 
Yes, the remote pump plugs into the LiterMeter and is programmed at the meter. I would go to the Spectrapure website and download the manual for info. I can’t remember offhand how long suction and discharge lines can be. I have run a litermeter for about thirteen years and never had a problem.
 
I use apex pmups. I have 5 float switches in my sump using the s-pin connector on the apex base unit. 1-2-3-4-5 we will say. 3 is where the water stays with ATOs help. twice a day it turns on a PMUP and drains down to 2 then right after thats done it turns on another PMUP that fills it back up to 3. during this process ATO is turned off till the water change is complete total volume changed each time is 1.5 gallons and it takes 15 mins.
 
APEX DOS in a waterproof enclosure on my patio. I have 35 gallons of salt for changes and 35 gallons of fresh for top off. I ran the lines in my house and it is easy and no noise since it is remote.

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@ccombs Looks clean but only thing i would say if that roof of that little shed is draining the water right into your window sill and right on top of you weather proof box. Good idea to put out side as long as sun doesnt effect the container at all. I cant even keep my storage containers in garage it gets to cold here in winters lol.
 
@ccombs Looks clean but only thing i would say if that roof of that little shed is draining the water right into your window sill and right on top of you weather proof box. Good idea to put out side as long as sun doesnt effect the container at all. I cant even keep my storage containers in garage it gets to cold here in winters lol.
The roof clears everything, so water drains properly. The containers are UV resistant, etc. and are made for outdoor storage.

I am worried about the temp in the winter, luckily it does not get cold enough for that volume of water to freeze, but I am prepared to drop a heater in those if needed.
 
Yes, the remote pump plugs into the LiterMeter and is programmed at the meter. I would go to the Spectrapure website and download the manual for info. I can’t remember offhand how long suction and discharge lines can be. I have run a litermeter for about thirteen years and never had a problem.

I have a Spectrapure ATO that uses the newest Liter Meter pump. It can pull 25 feet vertically and push 60, iirc.

Just trying to figure a way to have water pump from the basement and be able to do auto water changes. I can't figure this out without having a pail next to the tank.
 
I use a Spectrapure Litermeter III and remote Pump module. two and one half gallons a day. 180 gal display tank.
I've been thinking of getting one myself.
How difficult is it to program?
I would be doing one gallon water changes but don't want to be tied down to a set schedule.
 
I use 2 maxi jet 1200 pumps , 1 in my sump and the other in my mix tank , set thru my Apex i change 30 gallons a week ( every Sunday morning ) without shutting anything down other than my ATO , i dont even have to be home ! simple and cheap , been running this like this for 5 years with no issues K.I.S.S. method
 
Wow that is an amazing setup!


Mine is simple but solid. I found a dual head variable speed masterflex with easy load heads on ebay for $200. I just use a simple timer and have it run a few times a day. You can either increase the masterflex speed or add another on/off cycle with the timer if you want to change more. The reservoir is a brute can with a float value on the bottom of the container that will not let the masterflex run if it’s empty.


A really robust system that has a low container level failsafe and should last many, many years if not decade(s) for under $250 with timer, float and tubing. Scales up or down, no extra equipment needed.
 
Hmm... maybe I should just build my own through the Apex then. I will be running one on the system anyway. Might as well take advantage of it right?
 
I run the Auto Aqua and like it and no issues with it. I have a 30 gal Saltwater storage tank in a closet on the other side of the wall where my tank is at along with a 30 gallon RODI storage in that closet. I just poked a small whole through the wall for the tubing. I run the waste water and RODI waste through the crawlspace down to the Laundry room drain. I change about 1 gallon a day . Red Sea Reefer 250 ism tank. ATO comes right from my RODI storage .
 
How large of a saltwater and ato resovoir do you have? I'm limited on space. I might be able to squeeze two separate 5-10 gallon reservoirs in my tanks wall unit. But that's it. It will be going on a 280g tank with a 60g sump.

As someone else mentioned I also have the tubing for the AWC /ATO running through a hole in the wall into a closet in a bed room directly behind the tank which is in the living room. In the closet are three 10 gallon Trigger reservoirs. The red lid is waste water, the blue lid is new salt water and the clear lid is fresh water. I change out about 2.5 gallons a day. Every once in a while I do a major 25 gallon manual change and vac the substrate and / or the sump.
 

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