Water Changes in a Large Tank

[SinkyShippy]

I'm new to the hobby and have a small tank so I can do water changes in a 5 gallon bucket but how do you do water changes in a large tank? It seems like a lot of work to use 5 gallon buckets for say a 125g+ tank

 

[Blackice615]

Pumps to export bad water and pump fresh water in. We also use python hoses

 

[Auquanut]

In my 125, I use a python to export water and vacuum the sand, and then I use a 600 GPH return pump in a 40 gallon brute trash can ON WHEELS to mix the salt and connect it to a section of potable water hose to refill. No buckets, easy and quick. Perfect for an old sailor with a bad back.

 

[Jekyl]

I mix my new water in a 44 gallon brute and just use a siphon and 5 gallon buckets

 

[SinkyShippy]

In my 125, I use a python to export water and vacuum the sand, and then I use a 600 GPH return pump in a 40 gallon brute trash can ON WHEELS to mix the salt and connect it to a section of potable water hose to refill. No buckets, easy and quick. Perfect for an old sailor with a bad back.

Do you need a pump for the python hose?

 

[TvanB1]

Welcome to R2R!
I use 44g brute trash cans for mixing water.
You can also use food grade (important) barrels.

The python runs on a siphon. Some of them come with siphon starters so you don’t have to do it manually.

 

[Auquanut]

No. It connects to your water faucet. You wind up using more tap water removing tank water than you actually remove from the tank, but for me it's worth it.

 

[SinkyShippy]

Welcome to R2R!
I use 44g brute trash cans for mixing water.
You can also use food grade (important) barrels.

The python runs on a siphon. Some of them come with siphon starters so you don’t have to do it manually.

Cool! I have a manual pump gravel cleaner to clean the sand. It's not bad for the size tank I have but if I ever were to upgrade to a large tank it would be difficult.

 

[MnFish1]

I'm new to the hobby and have a small tank so I can do water changes in a 5 gallon bucket but how do you do water changes in a large tank? It seems like a lot of work to use 5 gallon buckets for say a 125g+ tank

I use a python hose to remove 40 gallons or so - then pump pre-mixed (temp and salinity matched) water back into the tank using a return pump. It takes perhaps 30 minutes total. The coral can remain 'in the air' for a short period of time without any apparent problem.

 

[linkedsilas]

I built a diy siphon. I hang it on the side , hook up a hose, turn the valve and gravity and pressure do the trick. I have a hose thT runs outside

 

[bblumberg]

Siphon out with Python and then add new water from mixing station via pump. I used to use the same hose for this, but recently upgraded to 3/4" vinyl for the return system. MUCH faster to put new water in.

 

[WVNed]

You pump water to the tank and drain water to a sink.
No hauling of buckets and hoses around.

or

 

[Jon Fishman]

Siphon out the water to vacuum the sand/bottom of the tank, and pump to replace from brute

Brutes on the coaster-thingies with wheels...... lifesavers.

 

[litenyaup]

My new build/ house I had a floor drain installed! Makes for a very easy and neat water change!

 

[MnFish1]

You pump water to the tank and drain water to a sink.
No hauling of buckets and hoses around.

or

You lose some efficiency - if I am understanding you correctly - that said - I tend to drain my sump - fill it up with new water - then drain down my tank (to the known level) - and then fill up via pump the sump - which then pumps into the tank (the total 40 gallons). But there is still some 'new water' thats being 'removed'

 

[Jon Fishman]

I also like to clean/remove water via the sump..... so sump and sand..... with that alone I get a solid 15%

 

[WVNed]

You lose some efficiency - if I am understanding you correctly - that said - I tend to drain my sump - fill it up with new water - then drain down my tank (to the known level) - and then fill up via pump the sump - which then pumps into the tank (the total 40 gallons). But there is still some 'new water' thats being 'removed'

Once you use it once the pipes retain the water. Very little new water is used the next and following times unless you drain it all down for some reason.
You get an air bubble in the hook I put on the tank. You force that out and are good to go.

 

[MnFish1]

Once you use it once the pipes retain the water. Very little new water is used the next and following times unless you drain it all down for some reason.
You get an air bubble in the hook I put on the tank. You force that out and are good to go.

Im sure what you're doing makes sense- I just didnt understand how yours worked

 

[laverda]

I have not done a water change in roughly 3 years on my 300. Much easier to carry a few bottles of chemicals to dose. Cheaper too!

 

[Fiesty]

Ive usually used a garden hose. Just run it outside (or to a bathtub) and use a small pump / powerhead to start the siphon. I also have had hooked hose to faucet outside turned on till water almost gets to tank or barely starts coming out. Disconect hose and u r removing water from tank in a hurry. And then like others, use a pump in trash can and hose to pump water back into tank.

Now i do an auto water change so just push a button on my phone. Lol