Striike
Active Member
I am sure there are some out there that have already done this, and many more that have thought about doing it. Just wanted to share what I did to make life a lot easier. I no longer have to carry a bucket of water in order to do a water change, or to fill up my ATO. This not only makes it easier, but it keeps me motivated enough to stay consistent with water changes. I found myself putting off that weekly water change because I didn't want to go through the hassle of carrying a bucket of saltwater up from the garage. I'll try to explain my set up, so if I am not clear, just ask. This thread is only intended to offer ideas for anyone considering this step.
My Aquarium is a 90g, with a 20g sump. I have a 5g ATO bucket in my stand. My reserve saltwater, and freshwater (RO/DI) is stored in garbage cans in the garage. I use a DA Reef Keeper Elite (RKE) controller. I ran a 1/2" pvc line from the garage to my sump. To prevent getting kicked out by my wife, I ran the line up under the kitchen sink, then through the wall to the living room behind the sump. (IE, no one can see it). I have a T connection between the Freshwater and Saltwater garbage cans in the garage, and each has a Mag 9.5 pump for transfer to the tank. I also keep a power head in each for circulation. In line from the garbage cans to the tank I put a sprinkler automatic valve (Fill Valve), which I can control via my RKE. There is another T in the plumbing after the Fill valve, one way leads to the tank, the other goes through another auto valve (drain valve) and is plumbed into the house's main drain. Inside my sump I keep a pump for draining the water. I have manual valves for the Saltwater Garbage can, the Fresh Water Garbage can, the ATO bucket, the sump, and a siphon break for the drain pump. I utilize float switches for the drain pump, SW fill pump, and FW fill pump, with me watching of course.
With this set up technically I can automate my water changes, but the risk of having a spill does not justify my laziness. Therefore, my steps for water change are:
1. Turn off Skimmer, ATO, and return pump.
2. Open Drain Valve.
3. Turn on Drain pump to Auto (it shuts off when it triggers a float switch).
4. Once Drain pump shuts off, open siphon valve.
5. Close Drain valve, open Fill Valve.
6. Turn SW fill pump to Auto (again triggered by float switch).
7. While it is filling, turn back on return pump and skimmer to ensure water level is correct.
8. Once filled, shut off Fill Valve and SW fill pump.
9. Turn everything back on, sit down, enjoy tank.
If you made it this far, I'm impressed. The other thing I would mention is I use the same line for filling up my ATO using the same methods described for filling up the sump. There is a little cross contamination by using the same line, but I use the line for FW 4-5 times a week, and SW 1. So most of the time the line is filled with RO/DI water. I have my iPhone linked to my RKE, so I perform all these steps while standing over my aquarium and pushing buttons on my phone. Pretty cool if you ask me. Hope this inspires someone, just be aware it takes a lot of planning, and you really need a spouse that is ok with you drilling holes in the house. I made it pretty so I was able to get away with it, but please don't tell your significant other that I gave you the idea if she isn't happy with it. Happy reefing.
My Aquarium is a 90g, with a 20g sump. I have a 5g ATO bucket in my stand. My reserve saltwater, and freshwater (RO/DI) is stored in garbage cans in the garage. I use a DA Reef Keeper Elite (RKE) controller. I ran a 1/2" pvc line from the garage to my sump. To prevent getting kicked out by my wife, I ran the line up under the kitchen sink, then through the wall to the living room behind the sump. (IE, no one can see it). I have a T connection between the Freshwater and Saltwater garbage cans in the garage, and each has a Mag 9.5 pump for transfer to the tank. I also keep a power head in each for circulation. In line from the garbage cans to the tank I put a sprinkler automatic valve (Fill Valve), which I can control via my RKE. There is another T in the plumbing after the Fill valve, one way leads to the tank, the other goes through another auto valve (drain valve) and is plumbed into the house's main drain. Inside my sump I keep a pump for draining the water. I have manual valves for the Saltwater Garbage can, the Fresh Water Garbage can, the ATO bucket, the sump, and a siphon break for the drain pump. I utilize float switches for the drain pump, SW fill pump, and FW fill pump, with me watching of course.
With this set up technically I can automate my water changes, but the risk of having a spill does not justify my laziness. Therefore, my steps for water change are:
1. Turn off Skimmer, ATO, and return pump.
2. Open Drain Valve.
3. Turn on Drain pump to Auto (it shuts off when it triggers a float switch).
4. Once Drain pump shuts off, open siphon valve.
5. Close Drain valve, open Fill Valve.
6. Turn SW fill pump to Auto (again triggered by float switch).
7. While it is filling, turn back on return pump and skimmer to ensure water level is correct.
8. Once filled, shut off Fill Valve and SW fill pump.
9. Turn everything back on, sit down, enjoy tank.
If you made it this far, I'm impressed. The other thing I would mention is I use the same line for filling up my ATO using the same methods described for filling up the sump. There is a little cross contamination by using the same line, but I use the line for FW 4-5 times a week, and SW 1. So most of the time the line is filled with RO/DI water. I have my iPhone linked to my RKE, so I perform all these steps while standing over my aquarium and pushing buttons on my phone. Pretty cool if you ask me. Hope this inspires someone, just be aware it takes a lot of planning, and you really need a spouse that is ok with you drilling holes in the house. I made it pretty so I was able to get away with it, but please don't tell your significant other that I gave you the idea if she isn't happy with it. Happy reefing.
