Building a Water Changing Station

[TonapahNorth]

So I have seen on this forum many fabulous water changing stations. I would like to build one for my new build at my office.

Assuming a 200g tank, I'm thinking I need to keep a minimum of 50g on hand. I have a small closet that will work perfectly but I'm getting lost in the weeds deciding which tanks to use.

Does anyone have experience using a tank such as this? I think it could look real elegant. But I'm trying to troubleshoot any issues in advance of me purchasing this so if anyone has thoughts on why this will NOT work, I'd be all ears.

Thanks
Tona

 

[sinekal]

I think the key factors to consider are:

How will you fill it with ro. In my case my ro is plumbed in so it was a matter of locating a place for the internal float to stop the water filling the tank.

How will you get salt in. I poor mine in one cup at a time, and wish I had a better solution.

How will you mix it. I have a pump inside, but many plumb them external.

How will you get the water to your tank. Mine is plumbed to a peristaltic pump that changes constantly, but many using the mixing pump mentioned before.

So, if the tank fits and you have a plan you like for all those elements I would guess you would be covered.

 

[Sabellafella]

So I have seen on this forum many fabulous water changing stations. I would like to build one for my new build at my office.

Assuming a 200g tank, I'm thinking I need to keep a minimum of 50g on hand. I have a small closet that will work perfectly but I'm getting lost in the weeds deciding which tanks to use.

Does anyone have experience using a tank such as this? I think it could look real elegant. But I'm trying to troubleshoot any issues in advance of me purchasing this so if anyone has thoughts on why this will NOT work, I'd be all ears.

Thanks
Tona

D2mini used one similar to this except the plastic stack pillars ontop. This looks great, but keep in mind you have to clean them =)

 

[tonto95]

I like your choice for tanks, them being stackable. Where were you able to find these, post a link for them.

 

[TonapahNorth]

I think the key factors to consider are:

How will you fill it with ro. In my case my ro is plumbed in so it was a matter of locating a place for the internal float to stop the water filling the tank.

How will you get salt in. I poor mine in one cup at a time, and wish I had a better solution.

How will you mix it. I have a pump inside, but many plumb them external.

How will you get the water to your tank. Mine is plumbed to a peristaltic pump that changes constantly, but many using the mixing pump mentioned before..

This is very helpful. I think I have a plan for all of these points. I'd be interested in hearing more specifics about the peristaltic pump exchange. This is what I'm trying to accomplish.

D2mini used one similar to this except the plastic stack pillars ontop. This looks great, but keep in mind you have to clean them =)

@d2mini 's thread on his "Essentials" tank is very clean but his tanks appeared side by side. But I understand your points. I had not considered the cleaning aspect.


I will continue to look for the peristaltic pump water changing schematics.

 

[TonapahNorth]

I like your choice for tanks, them being stackable. Where were you able to find these, post a link for them.

Here it is. https://www.ntotank.com/70gallon-acerotomold-white-horizontal-leg-tank-x4834815

But I called my local TSC www.tractorsupply.com to see if they can order this tank. I think the shipping might be a bit prohibitive but if my local TSC can get it, I'm good. I'll find it local somewhere.

 

[d2mini]

This is very helpful. I think I have a plan for all of these points. I'd be interested in hearing more specifics about the peristaltic pump exchange. This is what I'm trying to accomplish.


@d2mini 's thread on his "Essentials" tank is very clean but his tanks appeared side by side. But I understand your points. I had not considered the cleaning aspect.


I will continue to look for the peristaltic pump water changing schematics.

He's talking about my previous build.
Those containers were from Tractor Supply.

 

[TonapahNorth]

He's talking about my previous build.
Those containers were from Tractor Supply.

Yes, I see now. That's excellent. Our TSC has those identical tanks.

 

[sinekal]

I'm using a cole parmer pump with two easy load pump heads. One moves water from the new saltwater reservoir into the sump right by the return pump. The other pulls water from the drain area in the sump and feeds into my coral QT. The coral QT is in turn maintained by this constant feed of new water, and overflows into another reservoir. There a float switch in the overflow of the QT the triggers when the old water reservoir gets full. That shuts down the peristaltic pump and shoots me an email that it's time to start again

 

[JBradford]

I like your tank selection. I'm still in the planning stages myself and these fit into my needs a little better. Keep us posted if your local TSC can order them.

 

[TonapahNorth]

Ok, so here's what I discovered. My local TSC has become a Norwesco distributor and not a Roto-Mold distributor so they aren't able to order the tanks I want. I found a Rural King about 30 miles from me that is a distributor and can order them; however, they wanted me to pay shipping on them which was more shipping than the Iowa originator.

So, I just ordered the tanks from Nation Tank Outlet (link above). The tanks were $168 each. They offered shipping to a freight hub which is cheaper than home/office delivery. I chose that route and the delivery was 5 days and $110. Not bad. The tanks did not come with any bulkheads in place so they are sending three so that I can place them where I want on the length or width side.

Right now, I am in the process of tiling the closet and placing a drain in the floor (calamity avoidance). This should be done before the tanks arrive. I wills post pics when I get the tanks in.

Tona

 

[JOKER]

If you plan a daily water exchange, the stenner dual head pumps work well for that.

 

[TonapahNorth]

Last week, I tiled the closet with a quick tile job. Durock, new drains, water lines, and cheap 12" tiles. Don't ask me why I put in a hot water line. I planned on running a sink to the other side but I'm not sure at this point.

Today, the tanks came in. I'll be able to put bulkheads in the ends and should circulate ok. I'll have to figure out how to get salt in the bottom container still but that shouldn't be too hard. I like how they stack and take up very little space. It would be better if they could be in there lengthwise but alas. They don't build closets like they used to 40" wide

 

[TonapahNorth]

Here is a sneak peek at the stand and control station. Too much to be done to get too excited at this point but I like the look so far.

 

[TonapahNorth]

Maybe This time. here it is.