Auto Water Changes worth the cost?

[WhatCouldGoWrong71]

I have a 120 gallon tank I perform ~30 gallon water changes weekly. I am thinking about switching to a daily auto water change with Versa pumps. I am wondering if it is worth the extra cost of the pumps to perform the daily water changes? I would perform a larger water change monthly if I start using a daily water change.

Yup.
I’ve been doing them for year. And, I dose trace and do monthly ICPs.

 

[TheNative192]

By definition, isn’t it always, “worth the cost, if you can afford it” ?

No, some people enjoy the process of the water change so even if they can afford it, it would not be worth it since they enjoy it. Being able to afford it does not always mean it is worth it if you would spend the money on something else you would enjoy more like a new piece of coral or other gear, or something not even reef related.

The key for me is by automating the water changes it saves me time and I can use that time on other things. That can be more reef related actives or even other activities. Moreover, my corals are much happier as the tank is more stable and I am less likely to face a crash which would cost a lot more than the auto water change gear.

Is it worth the cost: is the aquarium going to be better off spending the money to automate the water change or would the $600 be better spent on other items.

It depends on if you are missing other items or if there is something else you have in mind already. With how expensive corals, fish, and other items are, adding more stability is a really big benefit & the time saved adds to the benefit. That being said, it truly is up to you.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

By definition, isn’t it always, “worth the cost, if you can afford it” ?

I can afford cigarettes, but they are not worth any cost to me.

 

[Mac8128]

I understand that this thread is dedicated to AWC, but after reading some of the posts, I have a 13.5g nano on my kitchen counter and could easily do 1 cup per day manual water changes versus a 1.5 gallon WC every week or so. Sounds like in the long run that the tank would do noticeably better????? Thoughts.

Sorry for side tracking this...................

 

[TheNative192]

I understand that this thread is dedicated to AWC, but after reading some of the posts, I have a 13.5g nano on my kitchen counter and could easily do 1 cup per day manual water changes versus a 1.5 gallon WC every week or so. Sounds like in the long run that the tank would do noticeably better????? Thoughts.

Sorry for side tracking this...................

Yes, doing small, consistent water changes will work. Just keep in mind it has to be consistent & that there are 16 measured cups in a gallon, so you’d actually want to change about 3 cups per day to reach 24 (or 1.5 gallons). You can still do the three cups all at once if that’s easier.

If you’re referring to a regular household cup (and it happens to hold roughly 3 measured cups of water), then you’re all set — lol.

 

[Mac8128]

Yea, my mental math was a little off, LOL. Also, my measuring "cup" is actually a two cup container. My nano is just a few weeks old so I will probably wait to start daily water changes until I get some fish and or corals in it. Thanks for the reply.

 

[allenk4]

I can afford cigarettes, but they are not worth any cost to me.

Please re-think that statement.

Cigarettes have no worth to you, so, no matter how low the cost; you would not purchase them.

Therefore, they are, “not worth the cost”.

 

[TheNative192]

Please re-think that statement.

Cigarettes have no worth to you, so, no matter how low the cost; you would not purchase them.

Therefore, they are, “not worth the cost”.

Your statement was "isn't it always worth the cost, if you can afford it" which means his analysis applies! I can afford cigarettes but I do not want to smoke so its not worth the cost.

The claim “it’s always worth the cost if you can afford it” is a non-sequitur, because the conclusion about something being “worth it” does not follow from merely being able to pay for it. For example, I may be able to afford cigarettes, but they are not worth the cost to me because I don’t want to smoke — affordability alone does not establish value or desirability.

The point you may be trying to make is that if one can afford it & sees value in it then it should be purchased. However, that is also flawed as that does not consider the opportunity cost of other options like maybe they are choosing between the AWC or... other equipment, a spa trip, a fancy dinner, or an Ultra One of a Kind Omega Level Oompa loompa 24k Holy Grail Yurple Special coral.

 

[ReefTankENG]

I do mine using DOS. Having a 200 gallon system, I do about 3 gallons a night. I did design my set-up with the auto change in mind, so everything is co-located with the tank. For me - it has been pretty good. I kept a close eye on salinity swings and had to do some adjustments. I am battling some algae problems - I’m not sure if AWC contributed to that. I’m doing some bigger manual WC’s currently. But it is fantastic not to be dragging 5 gallons pails around every week!

 

[KStatefan]

It is worth it to me for the convenience of not having to manually do a water change but I can not give you any data showing my tank is better doing that.

 

[Freenow54]

Following, I currently do 10% weekly but have seriously thought about setting up AWC. I have all the components but its a loooooong run and i dont really wanna run more ro tube through my cieling. Maybe someone here says something that pushes me to do it.

That is a point I did not consider. As well as the fact I was unaware of their existence . What makes are there and is their a source that shows a pictorial of the set up? Another question is have they failed. On a different post someone stated that they are prone to fail in the open position casing floods and harming the or killing the tank inhabitants. Any comment ? I know nothing

 

[Freenow54]

Why would the RODI source need to be “nearby your tank area”? It seems many people have made long runs from the garage, attic, outside shed, etc.

Seems that with an osmolator or Versa pump, the unit can be just about anywhere.

Well for me it would involve piping through ceilings. There is absolutely no way to relocate it in my finished basement even though I have ceiling tiles. I did my own basement and did that on purpose for access but cant see a single way without extensive work. Although pex is a great invention. The other thing since I have yet to research them is what kind of head can the pumps over come ie push vertically ?

 

[TheNative192]

Well for me it would involve piping through ceilings. There is absolutely no way to relocate it in my finished basement even though I have ceiling tiles. I did my own basement and did that on purpose for access but cant see a single way without extensive work. Although pex is a great invention. The other thing since I have yet to research them is what kind of head can the pumps over come ie push vertically ?

There are many ways to remove variables of failure but they all come with variable or higher costs. As for pumps, it seems the versa pumps are very efficient at moving water vertically. I currently use this pump: Aquarium ATO Pump that has a head height of around 10 feet with no issue and is cheap but I would only use that if you are doing a sensor AWC.

For the safest option if you get a Hydro's start or the Control X4 bundle you could easily set up an AWC with a lot of fail safes (max run time, sensors to auto shut it off) etc. Many people do them based on just two quality peristaltic pumps even just two BRS dosing pumps (like Randy) with no issue. Others use two Versa pumps with no issue. It just depends on your budget.

 

[mak5487]

Thank you to everyone leaving comments. I have decided to run one RO line for top off and use my PMUP I was already using for top off water. No more carrying 5 gallons of water upstairs to fill the top off bucket. The main deciding factor is having the needed components on hand. Did a couple tests with the pump plugged into a smart outlet and everything seems to be working great.

Thanks again for the advice.

 

[bob88884]

I have a 120 gallon tank I perform ~30 gallon water changes weekly. I am thinking about switching to a daily auto water change with Versa pumps. I am wondering if it is worth the extra cost of the pumps to perform the daily water changes? I would perform a larger water change monthly if I start using a daily water change.

I have a 225-gallon tank and use the Versa to dispense 3.5 gallons per day. I use two Versas: one removes the old, and the other replenishes the new at the same time. The only time I perform a significant water change is when I clean my equipment; it is easier with the sump empty. The short answer is yes, it is worth the cost.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Please re-think that statement.

Cigarettes have no worth to you, so, no matter how low the cost; you would not purchase them.

Therefore, they are, “not worth the cost”.

Not going to argue about analogies. I think it a correct response to your statement, but you apparently to do not, so be it. Such a debate is of no value to readers. We all know what each other means, even if we each do not think the others written words convey it.,

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Is it worth the cost: is the aquarium going to be better off spending the money to automate the water change or would the $600 be better spent on other items.

I did not spend $600 for my AWC. However, if I had to I might.

 

[Freenow54]

I did not spend $600 for my AWC. However, if I had to I might.

Can I ask why ? Is it just a time saver or suits your situation ? Other benefits ? I am just thinking of my situation where to do my one tank takes about 2 hours including in my case cleaning the Skimmer , cleaning or replacing filter media, and most importantly turning off the main display return pump that is set up anti siphon , pumping out the sump with a self made filter incorporated in it that catches debris that can only be seen by eye . Then filling it up again with pre mixed salt water using a different pump and dedicated hose. So is it just attitude of what some see as an aggravation ? Or because they are still working and don't have the time ? Or am I missing something ? Another thing is with some of the complicated set ups I have seen don't they ie dosing ect have to be shut off during and maybe after recalibrated ? Not trying to start a lengthy discussion or tennis match just need a response so I can decide on its value

 

[Sdbuehler1]

I’ve been using an Apex DOS pump to do AWC for my 100 gallon for over 4 years now. It works so well that I did the same setup for my 180 gallon as well. With the programmatic capability of Apex you can add lots of safety checks. I put an optical sensor in my mixing tank so that if the level gets too low it shuts off the AWC. I learned this the hard way when the mixing tank got too low and exposed the heater which then started cooking and almost melted the mixing tank. If you have a salinity probe you can also disable the AWC if the salinity goes out of range. Total investment for the DOS, FMM controller and sensors probably comes close to Randy’s $600 lol but worth the peace of mind and cheaper than back surgery after years of hauling water for water changes.

 

[Freenow54]

I’ve been using an Apex DOS pump to do AWC for my 100 gallon for over 4 years now. It works so well that I did the same setup for my 180 gallon as well. With the programmatic capability of Apex you can add lots of safety checks. I put an optical sensor in my mixing tank so that if the level gets too low it shuts off the AWC. I learned this the hard way when the mixing tank got too low and exposed the heater which then started cooking and almost melted the mixing tank. If you have a salinity probe you can also disable the AWC if the salinity goes out of range. Total investment for the DOS, FMM controller and sensors probably comes close to Randy’s $600 lol but worth the peace of mind and cheaper than back surgery after years of hauling water for water changes.

You are lucky that the heater if it was glass had somewhere to transfer heat and did not shatter. and kill you when you inadvertently filled your container back up . Guess where that story comes from not a fairy tale