flash_oesc Posted October 6, 2013 Report Share Posted October 6, 2013 I thought I would pick the brains of the masses to see how you do you partial water changes. As I've gone from one 20G to 5 tanks...my bucket method got old. My current method - Drain -gravel vac water into buckets, (if wife is helping, she plugs vac while I dump them, if solo...I stop and start every two 12L buckets) then I dump the buckets down the toilet. Fill - I have a "Y" toggle valve in my shower, I use a sharkbite connector, and hook up 50' of pex pipe. I have a ball valve at the end. I run the water, use digital thermometer to match temp. Close valve, head to tank, and open valve to fill. I add prime as I fill the tank. My fill method is quick and easy, my drain method needs work. How do you do it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingin' It Posted October 6, 2013 Report Share Posted October 6, 2013 I use a "Python"...sooooo much easier. Definitely worth the money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckmullin Posted October 6, 2013 Report Share Posted October 6, 2013 25 foot hose from home depot - $14 1 venturi valve from petsmart - $12 i dislike big oh la la brand names because they are over priced and prefer a good dyi method. I guess why I despise the entire ada brand. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruno Posted October 6, 2013 Report Share Posted October 6, 2013 I use a "Python"...sooooo much easier. Definitely worth the money. +1 on the python. I just got one after setting up a 55 G for my son and taking his 37 for myself. The thought of hauling that many buckets prompted the purchase and I wish I would have a long time ago. Takes a lot less time now and I don't break my back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cullymoto Posted October 6, 2013 Report Share Posted October 6, 2013 Get a length of hose to suit your needs. From the farthest point on your tank to a drain. I use electrical tape to attach the hose to the faucet so it stays put. Get a small power head pump (pico pumps are less than 20 bucks at big als) that fits into the hose. There's your water out solution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VT231 Posted October 6, 2013 Report Share Posted October 6, 2013 I use pyhton too from my 90G down to my 10G tank. But thinking of getting RO so not sure yet how to set it up and what kind of pump to use. Seen 55G plastic drum with lid in Calgary, thats enough for 50% WC on my 90G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traffic66 Posted October 6, 2013 Report Share Posted October 6, 2013 +1 on python. love it and so easy to use Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyfisher Posted October 6, 2013 Report Share Posted October 6, 2013 + 1 on the python.But I like to drain used water outside to the flower/vegge.or lawn during warmer months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperGuppyGirl Posted October 6, 2013 Report Share Posted October 6, 2013 Pythons are the way to go, i do all my tanks in one night as opposed to the old bucket method which took me 5 days to do them all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vallisneria Posted October 6, 2013 Report Share Posted October 6, 2013 I also use a python but I drain it into my shower and use it to fill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayba Posted October 6, 2013 Report Share Posted October 6, 2013 I built built my own python . buy the hose at princess princess auto. Drain it down the toilet. Install a cheap brass tap somewhere that will accept a garden garden hose. Use a second hose to fill it up. I like to keep my dirty water away from clean water hoses to avoid criss contamination. I can suck out 120 gallons and refill it in about 25 minutes if you you go 5/8 or 3/4 hose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flash_oesc Posted October 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 6, 2013 So with all the python and diy pythons, I understand the water pressure of the tap starts the siphon, and keeps it draining. For those draining to outside or toilet...etc - are you just using siphon + gravity, or are you using a pump? The venturi valves and pico pumps don't seem to be options in the far North Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremoose Posted October 6, 2013 Report Share Posted October 6, 2013 (edited) I drain straight to the toilet with a long hose and fill with a garden hose, adding prime as I go. PS I don't have any tanks under 140g currently so temperature matching isn't as much of a concern. Edited October 6, 2013 by jeremoose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flash_oesc Posted October 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 6, 2013 On the python, and my current vac, it's a wide opening to a narrow tube - you just use one size tubing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyfisher Posted October 6, 2013 Report Share Posted October 6, 2013 When draining outside I let gravity keep the siphon going, but thinking about trying a pump to speed things up.As my MTS progresses WC are taking longer & longer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.