RSR 170 - Water Changes

[Dan Kyle]

Alright, so when it comes to water changes I have to admit I find it a drag! It's painful to the back and just a horrible job. I may be almost 6ft and in decent shape but lifting these 25L containers is a killer. How can we make this easier? I mean is it possible to use some kind of pump that will fit into the container and just syphon the water into the tank? I am at this point open to suggestions in regards to a pump. I can't find one small enough to fit into the lid.

I'm slacking on water changes because it's painful, making it a chore.

 

[._Z_.]

What does your container look like? I have a pump that I use to stir my salt in a 5 gal bucket, then I use it to pump the water into the tank.

A separate 5 gal bucket is of course used to syphon the old water.

Water changes are still annoying, but it gets me there.

 

[Dan Kyle]

It’s hard for me to explain but it’s your just your typical 25L container. Ideally I’d like to put a pump in the container that has enough pressure to push the water out and into the main display.

 

[._Z_.]

It’s hard for me to explain but it’s your just your typical 25L container. Ideally I’d like to put a pump in the container that has enough pressure to push the water out and into the main display.

That’s what I’d recommend. Is your problem that the opening on your container is too small to get a pump into? Or that the pumps you can fit are unable to pump that high?

 

[Dan Kyle]

A bit of both to be honest. I mean the lid on the container is probably a little under 3 inches and the pump I did try once even though it was a small Eheim pump, it wasn’t small enough to drop in the container.

Currently every time I do a water change I’m having to lift up the 25L container and pouring it into a small garden water container so I’m able to lift it up high enough into my tank. It’s still back breaking though using this method.

 

[._Z_.]

A bit of both to be honest. I mean the lid on the container is probably a little under 3 inches and the pump I did try once even though it was a small Eheim pump, it wasn’t small enough to drop in the container.

Currently every time I do a water change I’m having to lift up the 25L container and pouring it into a small garden water container so I’m able to lift it up high enough into my tank. It’s still back breaking though using this method.

Agreed that is back breaking.

I would try any pump that will fit in the hole. The Neptune PMUP would fit but that’s expensive for just a water change.

If you’re worried about the pump not being strong enough to lift water as high as you need you can set the container on a stool or chair, which is what I have to do with mine.

 

[Dan Kyle]

Thanks for that. I will carry on searching for a pump. As you say I don’t want to pay a fortune just for a water change but raising the container so gravity isn’t an issue sounds like a good idea.

 

[16Reefer170]

I have been using the 24 volt ATO PMUP from Neptune for both my ATO and to pump salt water from my basement for water changes. I just fill into the sump, and let the my return pump refill the display tank. Just don’t let it run dry for long, or it will seize up. I found that out the expensive way.

 

[erichuyn]

Where is your problem exactley? Are you lifting the 25L and pouring it into the display? That's heavy yeah.
I just set it on a chair and syphon it into the sump. At some point you can just turn on the return pump.
To get water out of the display I just syphon it into a container standing on the floor.

 

[Waynerock]

I still enjoy doing water changes on my 170. I don’t really know why, I like getting In There and scrubbing the glass and talking to everyone and make sure they are doing ok ( not too crazy I promise) I change 5-7 gal every Friday night (no life I know but getting old and it’s a break from kids /life) I usually do 1 gal from my 5 gal bucket into a 1 gal water jug and pour into the tank. Tedious for sure but a lot easier on my back and I keep track of exactly how much water I put in and take out. Been doing this for over 2 years and still enjoy it. It’s just one of those zen moments for me. I am weird like that when I go shooting I enjoy cleaning my weapons almost as much as I enjoy shooting them...most times