tank designed for easy water change

[christan1959]

Hi reefers, I am planning a new tank, and was wondering about a design that would make WC easy. My idea is to have a drainage pipe at centre of bottom glass, and fit a pipe with ball valve. Above, place an egg crate, plastic sieve and topped off with No 3 sand. Over time, dirt will collect below egg crate via gravity. By opening valve, I will be able to change water and remove mulm. Will this work? I need to find method that will not aggravate my bad back. Thanks in advance.

[Billy Yap]

Hi reefers, I am planning a new tank, and was wondering about a design that would make WC easy. My idea is to have a drainage pipe at centre of bottom glass, and fit a pipe with ball valve. Above, place an egg crate, plastic sieve and topped off with No 3 sand. Over time, dirt will collect below egg crate via gravity. By opening valve, I will be able to change water and remove mulm. Will this work? I need to find method that will not aggravate my bad back. Thanks in advance.

What is No 3 sand ?

[tofubox]

Sounds like under gravel filter. Lol

[richreef]

Hi reefers, I am planning a new tank, and was wondering about a design that would make WC easy. My idea is to have a drainage pipe at centre of bottom glass, and fit a pipe with ball valve. Above, place an egg crate, plastic sieve and topped off with No 3 sand. Over time, dirt will collect below egg crate via gravity. By opening valve, I will be able to change water and remove mulm. Will this work? I need to find method that will not aggravate my bad back. Thanks in advance.

Yes...you are creating a 'Plenum' it will definitely work,but you need 2 layers of sand seperate by a layer of mesh(to prevent critters from borrowing right through)Ideally bottom layer sand 00 and upper layer sand 02 or 03.It will be better if you raised the egg crate my means of tying 1" pvc pipes underneath the crate.

[Whiskie]

What is No 3 sand ?

The grain size of the sand. Smaller number finer.

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[Billy Yap]

The grain size of the sand. Smaller number finer.

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Market no 3 is the finest ? Kindly advise.i have been getting coral sand from poly art. Thanks

[Whiskie]

I have seen number 0. 3 is kinda big and coarse to be considered sand. Polyart or C328 have it too. Or try the east side farms. I bought mine from Iwarna and Beng.

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[waterperson]

Fresh n Marine also have number #0 and #1 coral sand. 10kg per pack for $10. But you need to wash and preferably use magnets to remove some iron fillings left from grinding the sand.

[waterperson]

oh yes, the expensive version like the carribean live sand do not have such problems. So depends on your budget. All sand becomes live after some time.

[ReDDeviLs]

bro, do consider carefully because the amount of pressure build around the pipe in the center of the tank may cause leaking over a period of time.

[Davian Pepper]

Will the flow create enough suction to the rest of the corners? I think it will not suck the dirt that is already resting on the bottom tank at the corner

[angmoh]

You can refer to this.

[christan1959]

Thanks for comments guys! I've shelved my upgrade plans for time being. Reason is that current set-up is doing v well and want to enjoy it for a bit longer.

[Bulldozer]

Hi reefers, I am planning a new tank, and was wondering about a design that would make WC easy. My idea is to have a drainage pipe at centre of bottom glass, and fit a pipe with ball valve. Above, place an egg crate, plastic sieve and topped off with No 3 sand. Over time, dirt will collect below egg crate via gravity. By opening valve, I will be able to change water and remove mulm. Will this work? I need to find method that will not aggravate my bad back. Thanks in advance.

Sounds exactly like changing Engine Oil of car.

But the the base must be tapered.