What's your water change process?

[sean151]

As the hobby has evolved so has the available equipment and techniques used by us hobbyists. I remember 20 years ago in FW where it was a quick process of clean the gravel with the standard gravel vac then dump similar temperature water back in as a replacement. Then when I switched to sand from gravel it was still more or less the same, except add some buffer compound as it was a cichlid tank.

When I started SW 11 years ago few were discussing AWC and everyone knew the stress of WC day as it meant being meticulous on salinity, temp and not making a mess.

So what's your technique and tools you're currently using? Anything you are thinking of changing to make your process better?

 

[Got2bSkUnKeD]

I don’t have an automated system, so my process is still pretty rudimentary. Major things that I appreciate over 20 years ago: having my own RO/DI in the garage (no more treating tap water with fresh chemicals), mixing salt (I use blue bucket), that takes most of the hassle out of it while producing consistent results, installing float valves in brute 44gal trashcans, and having an ATO.
I don’t feel the need to clean the substrate because the critters will eat it. I don’t worry about messing up the nitrifying bacteria either.
the float valves securing my RODI so I don’t overflow 5 gal bottles when I forget to set a timer are a real game changer also.
at this point I just mix the salt in the brutes, check temp is close, pump out water to a convenient drain in the house and then pump in the fresh mix from the brutes.

 

[sean151]

I'm in the process of setting up a mixing station with 2 32gal trashcans (1 SW, 1 RODI). I got a free 32gal so I may end up using that to either drain into or haul buckets to. I always find I spill when dealing with full buckets even though I pump the water back in.

Anyone have a solid draining method or filling method? I've looked into the Python system, but it has a lot of mediocre reviews. There has to be a more solid siphon system (reef builders showed a battery powered auto siphon they are testing).

 

[PeterC99]

Bought a used water station that ATO, AWC, and Auto tops off RODI. Great investment and my back has never felt better.

 

[elorablue]

One of the biggest benefits of having a nano tank (75L cube) is the ease and simplicity of water changes.
Every Friday I mix up 10 L of water in a Cambro with a return pump to mix ---takes less than 5 minutes
Every Saturday I siphon out 10 L and put 10 L back in --- takes less than 10 minutes

Ta Daa!!

 

[InactiveAcct]

Fill 2X 5 gallon buckets with RODI. Add 5X 1/2 cups of reef crystals and let sit with power head for 24 hours. Double check salinity, drain 2 buckets, add new ones in. 75 gallon reef, water changes once or twice a week.
Originally wanted to try a no WC method and I think it’s one of the reasons I had a bad first year. Since I started the weekly changes 5 months ago everything is doing nicely.