Mixing Station Question??

[Brandon Rush]

So I'm planning out my new 200 gallon build with a DIY mixing station. I've been watching several Mr Saltwater Tank builds and saw that he does a line from the mixing station to the tank to fill it up. My question is what would be the easiest way to incorporate a way to drain the tank? Is it worth the time or is it easier to just throw a pump in and drain it?

 

[Flippers4pups]

I did this and thought about stagnant water in the line. Took it out. Should have done it where I could clean/drain it out every once a while.

 

[nezw0001]

I have a line connected to a small pump from my new SW to the sump that acts as my ATO. Freshwater is added via a dosing pump to maintain salinity. I'm turning over so much water i don't think it has time to get stagnant in there.

 

[Passedyouby]

I have a line coming off my main return pump with a valve that feeds my mixing station. When i want to add SW i shut off return pump, and turn on another pump in my mixing station 3 rooms away. This forces heater water into the tank via the return jets.

Prior to doing this i will open the valve between the mixing station and the tank with my TANK PUMP ON, this will push the dirty water out of the tank through the same line that the fresh water will refill the tank. In the room as the mixing station i have a floor drain.. a simple valve to direct the water that way instead of the fresh tank and there ya go. Water changes while only using 1 extra pump and 1 water line connecting your tank to the outside world.

 

[Passedyouby]

As an added perk i have my skimmer cup plumbed into the line as well, so while training the tank it will also drain the collection cup :) two gross jobs without a drop spilt.

 

[wrasse man]

I did this and thought about stagnant water in the line. Took it out. Should have done it where I could clean/drain it out every once a while.

I did this as well. Not really concerned about the stagnant water as have a very short run from tank to quick connect where I connect the hose when necessary. Plus I do weekly water changes. I just hook up the hose and turn the valve and drain the tank. I have it very close to the bottom so I could do close to a 100% change if necessary. I just have to watch it so I don’t over drain.

 

[malders]

I believe Mr Saltwater does automatic water changes with a neptune dos.
Im assuming the drain is in the tank and the other side of the dos pump going onto those floors Im jealous of.

 

[Flippers4pups]

I did this as well. Not really concerned about the stagnant water as have a very short run from tank to quick connect where I connect the hose when necessary. Plus I do weekly water changes. I just hook up the hose and turn the valve and drain the tank. I have it very close to the bottom so I could do close to a 100% change if necessary. I just have to watch it so I don’t over drain.

I'm fortunate to have my sump to drain into my house pvc drain. Just turn a ball valve to drain. To fill, vinyl tubing with a ball valve union attached to my mixing station manifold. Other side has a pvc hook that I hang on the sump to fill.

 

[wrasse man]

I'm fortunate to have my sump to drain into my house pvc drain. Just turn a ball valve to drain. To fill, vinyl tubing with a ball valve union attached to my mixing station manifold. Other side has a pvc hook that I hang on the sump to fill.

No concern with back filling from the household drain? I wish I could hardline my plumbing, I mean I could but eventually I will sell the house, so that’s a no-go. Couple quick hose connections so it’s not that difficult.

 

[Flippers4pups]

No concern with back filling from the household drain? I wish I could hardline my plumbing, I mean I could but eventually I will sell the house, so that’s a no-go. Couple quick hose connections so it’s not that difficult.

It's a possibility, sure, but I would hope the ball valve would keep it from happening if the sewer backed up. Knock on wood.

 

[Brandon Rush]

Thanks for all the replies, I thought about going the auto water change route. I would like to plumb something though in case I needed to so a large water change on the fly.

 

[Brandon Rush]

Here's my current floorplan/layout. My only drain option is my utility sink