Water changes

nvmycj

nvmycj

Member
So,...
It's been two weeks since I've added a sump and refuge to my Biocube. Do I cut the power, let the tank drain, then do the water change from my sump?
Or do I cut the power, let the tank drain, mark the water level on the tank, and then do the water change from the tank?
What's the difference, really?
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Siphoning from a sump is a lot more difficult - and can usually only be done with the help of a powerhead or a python hose...
When you siphon from the display tank, siphon out into an empty 5g jug. Then, use another 5g jug full of newly mixed saltwater to slowly pour it into the tank. Then you know you have changed 5g for sure.
If you remove water from your tank into a known volume container - it makes water changes much easier.
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
Hmmmm I like to remove the water from the DT, but like to refill through my sump......Many ways to skin a cat!!!!!
 
nvmycj

nvmycj

Member
But if I do siphon from the main tank to do my changes, it'll drop my tank level pretty low & expose my corals to air. How long can they be out of water?
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by NVMYCJ http:///t/391729/water-changes#post_3475686
But if I do siphon from the main tank to do my changes, it'll drop my tank level pretty low & expose my corals to air. How long can they be out of water?
Typically a water change lasts between 5 to 15 minutes. Usually corals slime over during this time and will slough it off once normalcy is restored.
Larger tanks require larger buckets. Dedicated aquarists sometimes use 40g brute trash cans on a caster wheel base to move their water around for larger systems.
Acrylic - I know about skinning cats - I did two last week!
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by NVMYCJ http:///t/391729/water-changes#post_3475686
But if I do siphon from the main tank to do my changes, it'll drop my tank level pretty low & expose my corals to air. How long can they be out of water?
Siphon a portion from the DT and a portion from the sump..........
I know it'll draw the water line down in the DT, but at the same time you can start adding the new water to the sump and once it gets so high, fire the pumps and continue to feed the sump the new water till the DT is full and sump is at the correct water level.....
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/391729/water-changes#post_3475692
Typically a water change lasts between 5 to 15 minutes. Usually corals slime over during this time and will slough it off once normalcy is restored.
Larger tanks require larger buckets. Dedicated aquarists sometimes use 40g brute trash cans on a caster wheel base to move their water around for larger systems.
Acrylic - I know about skinning cats - I did two last week!
Something along these lines Seth.....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top