Silly leak test question

[glb]

Ok I know there's no such thing as a stupid question, but this one might qualify. I'm ready to do my leak test and plan on filling the tank with tap water first so the inside of the plumbing and equipment can wash out. But how would I get all that water out of the tank when I'm done????

 

[tgp4274]

shop vac..
can leave alittle... shouldn't hurt just try n get as much as can
I actually started my tank with just tap.... but using ro since for changes and top off

 

[AZDesertRat]

Siphon hose.

 

[jsker]

Siphon hose.

+1

 

[glb]

Won't a syphon hose take forever? We're talking about 50g of water between DT and sump.

 

[glb]

shop vac..
can leave alittle... shouldn't hurt just try n get as much as can
I actually started my tank with just tap.... but using ro since for changes and top off

So they have about 5g drums, right?

 

[jsker]

Won't a syphon hose take forever? We're talking about 50g of water between DT and sump.

It all depends on the size of the house. I use a 1/2 inch when I vacuum the sand and I can drain 8 gallon in a matter of 4 minutes. If I am doing a quick water change I use a 3/4 and I can pull 8 gallons in about 1.5 minutes.

 

[Reef Junky150]

I drain 32gal in a few minutes with 1/2 tubing for w/c.

 

[glb]

I drain 32gal in a few minutes with 1/2 tubing for w/c.

That would work for the DT. The sump is low so I wouldn't be able to get a syphon. But I can use a shop vac there.

 

[Reef Junky150]

Sure or could get a long enough tube from Lowe's and use a pump to a drain/sink/toilet. They sell 1/2inch clear tube by the foot pretty cheap.

 

[ngvu1]

Are you doing leak test with the tank at its final location inside the house? ( my question might qualify too :-) )

That would work for the DT. The sump is low so I wouldn't be able to get a syphon. But I can use a shop vac there.

 

[glb]

Are you doing leak test with the tank at its final location inside the house? ( my question might qualify too :) )

I already tested the tank itself for leaks. This test is for the plumbing, so yes, it's in place on the stand.

 

[redfishbluefish]

How do you plan on doing water changes? I use a MAG 7 to pump new saltwater into my tank. So my answer is to use a pump to pump the water out!

 

[glb]

How do you plan on doing water changes? I use a MAG 7 to pump new saltwater into my tank. So my answer is to use a pump to pump the water out!

That's what I was thinking so it would be super fast. What kind of pump though? A return type? I know very little about pumps.

 

[jsker]

That would work for the DT. The sump is low so I wouldn't be able to get a syphon. But I can use a shop vac there.

I put a drain in my sump:) it nice for cleaning

 

[jsker]

On sale with free shipping. http://www.saltysupply.com/equipmen...s/waveline-apex-ready-dc2500h-water-pump.html

 

[redfishbluefish]

I like @jsker suggestion of a "newer" DC pump, and that's what I'd consider if just starting out, with the exception of if I could pick up something used on the cheap. I'm old school and have been around since @Paul B had hair.....and MAG pumps are as old as Paul B. What I would do is make two simple adaptors.....on the top, an adaptor that goes from pipe thread to hose connection, and on the front, and elbow to pick up the last bit of water. Here's my MAG to get an idea of the adaptors I'm talking about.

 

[jsker]

The Mag pumps where the stuff back in the day.

I like @jsker suggestion of a "newer" DC pump, and that's what I'd consider if just starting out, with the exception of if I could pick up something used on the cheap. I'm old school and have been around since @Paul B had hair.....and MAG pumps are as old as Paul B. What I would do is make two simple adaptors.....on the top, an adaptor that goes from pipe thread to hose connection, and on the front, and elbow to pick up the last bit of water. Here's my MAG to get an idea of the adaptors I'm talking about.

 

[glb]

The solution for now:

 

[ReefQueen]

I'm surprised nobody suggested a python. Am I the only person that still uses one of these? I love that it takes the water right down the drain so I don't have to empty buckets, then I just have the hubby bring 5 gallon buckets up from the mixing can in the basement and pump it back into the tank with an old aquaclear:)