Water Changes via Sump

[JLee60]

Having not done my first water change yet, but it's coming real soon, is there any problem doing these changes through the sump with skimmer and sump pump turned off instead of via the display? I am seeing it done both ways. I would be doing it with the bucket(s) and submersible pump method.

 

[IslandLifeReef]

I vacuum my display to remove the water and then add the new mix to the sump. Works great!

 

[jaxredsoxfan]

You'll be fine doing it that way, i think it gives a chance to mix just a bit before being pumped into display

 

[SnookNRedZ]

So long as you're removing old water/detritus, it inst an issue which section of your system you do it at. I like to switch it up... One water change, ill do only the Display. ill blow off the rocks and let the crud settle to the bottom and siphon it out. Next water change, ill concentrate on the sump. Then the next i may do half and half, just depends on what im seeing. Which ever is dirtier, gets the most attention.

I also use a MJ1200 to pump my water from my mixing bin, into my sump, then turn my return on to pump it to my display. I try not to pump right into the display. not that it will hurt anything. its just easier in the sump.

 

[JLee60]

Awesome suggestions.

IslandLifeReef I agree and a good way to sift sand in the process. Thinking ahead, with a clean up crew, maybe sand sifting would be minimized on a as needed basis.
SnookNRedZ Also good idea with hosing off coral.
jaxredsoxfan Exactly my thoughts too.

 

[lapin]

I change mine thru my sump. 60 gallon change. I have a pump in the sump that will pump water out. I run a long hose to that pump so i dont have to lift any buckets. My salt mixing tank is plumbed so that with the turning of 2 valves it will put water into the sump. I turn off my skimmer and return pump. You might have to turn off your ATO. Mark this level in your sump with tape or something. I pump out the 60 gallons and then refill the sump back to the level thats marked. Depending on if you have a cal reactor and how it is plumbed, you might have to bleed excess air out that will get pushed to it when you turn your pumps back on.