Semi automated water changes.

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Gellisjr1

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Hello everyone.

I thought I would share my easy AWC set up. I had an extra Jebao DP-4 dosing pump available. I decided to set it up as an auto water changer for my nano tank. I set it up on my display tank and programed the dosing unit to perform a small water change just for proof of concept. I have a pair of 5 gallon buckets one for fresh salt mix and one for spent tank water to drain into. I used an RO water bulkhead fitting in the lid and used some RO water line inside to to draw water from the bucket. On the other side I used a 1/4 inch to 3/16 barb fitting to convert the line from RO water line to regular dosing tubing for ease of running the lines to and from the tank. After I was satisfied with the operation, I increased the volume and timed how long it takes to drain and fill the tank. I did this on my day off of from work so I could visually verify everything works as it should. After getting it set up and working I was so impressed that the following week I set up my other tank for an AWC as well. Both tanks are getting 1 gallon water changes daily. This has been working great for the past two weeks now, I can see a big improvement in water clarity, the overall condition of the corals & the fish seem happier as well.

I was doing a single 5 gallon water change weekly but felt the tank could really benefit from the smaller and more consistent water changes. I just don't have that kind of time to devote to religiously manual change water everyday and make up saltwater. I certainly don't for see this as a permanent solution by any means. I have been piecing together the needed components to set up a more permanent mixing station in my basement with some automation help from my Hydros aquarium controller. Yes it is over kill for a 35 gallon nano tank however I am working towards getting a Waterbox 7225 Peninsula tank soon. If all goes well I will be ordering it this summer. Fingers crossed.
 
It takes about 30 - 40 mins from start to finish to do 2000 ml / .5 gallon water change. Once the salt is mixed and the waste bucket empty. It's good to go for the day. I really don't think about it until I get back home. The small tubing really makes running the water lines easy.
 
I have a similar setup on my 125g tank. I use a 30g brute for new saltwater in a utility room of my house and pump the water to and from the tank with two old masterflex peristaltic pumps that I found for cheap on eBay. They run 45 minutes a day and change about 2 gallons. It’s been running for several years without any issues.
All I have to do is mix up new saltwater every 2 weeks.
 
Last edited:
I have a similar setup on my 125g tank. I use a 30g brute for new saltwater in a utility room of my house and pump the water to and from the tank with two old masterflex peristaltic pumps that I found for cheap on eBay. They run 45 minutes a day and changes about 2 gallons. It’s been running for several years without any issues.
All I have to do is mix up new saltwater every

I have a similar setup on my 125g tank. I use a 30g brute for new saltwater in a utility room of my house and pump the water to and from the tank with two old masterflex peristaltic pumps that I found for cheap on eBay. They run 45 minutes a day and change about 2 gallons. It’s been running for several years without any issues.
All I have to do is mix up new saltwater every 2 weeks.
I can't wait until the mixing station is finished. That is going to be a huge game changer for me. I hate lugging water back and forth. Last spring I had to have a hernia repaired. I couldn't carry anything for several weeks. I had to have my wife and son help me with it.
 

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