(To debate) DIY Auto Water Change System

[asg]

Dear fellow lazy reefers out there,

lazy as I am, I have thought of this DIY auto WC System. Whole thingy shall cost $100 - $150 depending of where you got the equipment (two set ATO, one or two digital timer) from.

The main objective of this auto water change system is to prevent my tank from KNS while I am away for two weeks ah.

My aim is simple, archive an automated 3% water change daily (amounting to a regular 20% WC weekly). Of course the flow and ON OFF and be adjusted if you wish to do a continuous dripping/ draining system.

Draft Sketches:

Ideally how this kick off is:

1) Timer for drainage ON for one min

2) Water flow out of main tank

2.a) Sensor at draining container is to prevent overflow

3) Once water level in main tank/ sump drop, top up pump will start pumping new water into main tank/ sump

4) Once water level in main tank/ sump reaches the sensor, top up will stop

4.a) If KS, an optional digital timer can be use to time the topup ON OFF.

*Flow rate for both Top up/ Drainage tube can be adjusted using valve.

*Reason for not draining water directly to toilet is that my tank is not located in the toilet ah

So what do your guys/ gals think ah?

[sherman]

Good for those who always off station. Need 2 more tanks or jelly cans

[asg]

My tank small ah, 2 feet only (60+ litres), Maybe must buy one jerry can and one plastic tank to try out.

[erikokelf]

Bro this seems like a really great idea.

I'm always traveling and returning with nice white coral greeting me is no fun.

[sherman]

You need to calculate the amount of water u want to change over your period of absence.

[sherman]

Then get the correct size container

[Firestarter]

For those whose aircon pipings are not internal, you can connect the output and use the pipe as drainage.

[ReDDeviLs]

i did before..

the only part that fail is the parameters for the newly mixed water couldnt hold on long enough

[asg]

Bro this seems like a really great idea.

I'm always traveling and returning with nice white coral greeting me is no fun.

I also discovered that Mr Murphy likes to visit tank when owner is overseas ah...

[asg]

i did before..

the only part that fail is the parameters for the newly mixed water couldnt hold on long enough

urgh... I thought saltwater can be kept for years if stored properly ah.

[DottyClown]

Sounds a fantastic idea. But one matter might have to consider.

When the water is topped up, it is actually topping up water that you have drained off PLUS water that has evaporated during the day.

Thus over a period of time, your salinity will slowly increase.

Just my 2cents worth.

[Merry Goround]

how do you store salt water properly? been thinking of storing up on salt water too

urgh... I thought saltwater can be kept for years if stored properly ah.

[asg]

how do you store salt water properly? been thinking of storing up on salt water too

Air tight container in dark shaded place (read: store room ah)