Mini Water changing system TOTW 3-21-05

**The R/C Man** · 03-04-2005, 07:36 PM

Hey Everyone!

This was a weekend project that will make doing water changes much easier. It is precurser to the one that will be built for my 375 which will use 38 gallon Rubbermaid garbage pales....

What it does...
1. Mixes the water and salt for a change
2. Heats the water to 78 degrees
3. Pumps new water into the tank
4. Pumps waste water into a sink/drain
5. Saves my my back from having to lift heavy containers
6. Most important NO WATER ON THE FLOOR

***Reefland*** · 03-04-2005, 07:43 PM

Hi Greg, Welcome to Reefland!

This looks very interesting however from the image I can't seem to understand the operation. Could you try to explain it for me?

**The R/C Man** · 03-04-2005, 07:57 PM

Hey! Thanks!

The bucket on the left is filled with RO/DI water and a salt mix. By opening the valve coming from the bottom of the left bucket and the one leaving the pump I can circulate that water mixing the solution over night. That bucket also contains a heater to bring the temp to 78. To do a change I drain the water from the tank into the right bucket. Then I close the valve returning to the mixing bucket and open the one with the flexible hose. I insert that into the tank and plug in the pump. I minute later all the fresh salt water is in the tank. I then roll the unit to the sink and open the valve from the right bucket and the valve to the hose, turn on the pump and the waste water goes to the sink. No lifting of buckets and no mess....

I hope that helped.....

***Reefland*** · 03-04-2005, 08:27 PM

That definitely helped, I was just trying to uderstand the ball valve configurations for operation. That is an excellent DIY project my friend!

**The R/C Man** · 03-04-2005, 08:37 PM

Thanks!

I have a few more that I will be posting in the near future......

***Reefland*** · 03-04-2005, 08:47 PM

I have thought for a long time that I couldn't beleive someone has never come up with a "water changing device"...looks like someone has. Need to run to the patent office, although something other than HD buckets.

**The R/C Man** · 03-04-2005, 08:56 PM

I can't take the credit for that idea.... I borrowed it from someone else and tailored it to fit my needs... I guess it pays to be a member on a few different boards.....

***Reefland*** · 03-04-2005, 09:25 PM

Glad you decided to share with us on our board.

**kevinpo** · 03-05-2005, 11:27 AM

I really like that you can mix the exact amount of water that you need by being able to measure the amount you are removing. I think this would work well up to about 45gal water change (which covers most tanks).

Regards,
Kevin

**scubadude** · 03-17-2005, 12:13 PM

Sweet idea and even better engineering Greg! I totally love it.
Couple of questions though if you dont mind sir

The 5g new SW bucket that you have your RO/DI water coming into does it have a float of some sort?

Also I see that the unit is laid on carpet, I know this would be inconvenient for you but could you possibly get a picture of it when its empty and us looking at the bottom where you have the plumbing to the buckets. The reason I ask this is that if the unit was on a surface such as tile or hardwood floor do you suppose you could put some heavy duty casters on it and even make it on wheels? That way you could cart it out of the way and put it in a closet or something when its not in use?

Here is a picture of the W/C unit I made for my greenhouse....a bit more rudementary but its main purpose was your #5 of "what it does"

**The R/C Man** · 03-17-2005, 01:37 PM

Hey Rocky!

I didn't bother to use a float switch on this project because of the small bucket size. I am sure by not adding one I will be cleaning up the floor a couple times in the near future...

The older you get the easier you forget things..... They say that it is the second thing to go....

I will get a pic of the bottom shortly...

**The R/C Man** · 03-19-2005, 02:08 PM

I am going to put this thing into practice for the first time this weekend.......Ok here is a pic of the underside of the system....

**The R/C Man** · 03-20-2005, 10:05 PM

Hey Everyone!

I just did a water change using the above system. This thing is great!!! It took 10 minute to do a water change and not a drop ended up on the floor..... I definitaly recommend building one. You won't put those water changes off any longer...

***Reefland*** · 03-20-2005, 10:10 PM

When Michelle decides she wants her new "big tank", I'll be sure to do something like this but with rubbermaid cans that are stationary.

[Hint Hint]

**Poseidon** · 03-20-2005, 11:40 PM

Boy Scott, that is a pretty subtle hint!!!

LOL looks great! I will have to build one on wheels for my 2 rubbermaids....

orion25 · 03-21-2005, 01:29 AM

Grreat system, I cannot wait until we get a house (and out of this apartment). Then we can have the RO/DI & a Water change system...........

Your plans will be kept in mind. Thanks!!

**The R/C Man** · 07-09-2005, 12:42 PM

Just wanted to give everyone an update on the project.... So far it has worked great!!!! I can do a water change in less than 15 minutes with no water spillage...

Also it seems the Mag5 produces quite a bit of heat and will bring the water temp up to 78 degrees if left to run over night... Since this system is easy to use I am more inclined to do changes on time. Recently I had a problem with my tank and it required a large number of changes. This tool was indispensible!!!!!

underseaworld · 07-09-2005, 12:54 PM

I am a detail engineer... I need more detail on how this works and what kind of material is needed to make one. I will have a 300gl tank up and running in sept/oct time frame. I plan on having a ro/di unit. Also what ro/unit do you use?

I would love to have this type of unit up and working but need very good details.

Thanks
ed

airforcelou5 · 07-11-2005, 09:34 PM

DUDE THAT NEEDS TO BE PATENTED RIGHT NOW, YOU SHOULD BE SCUBA DIVING IN THE WATERS OF FIJI LOOKIN AT THE REAL DEAL. YOU COULD BE RICH!!!!!!!!!!! YOU BETTER DO IT BEFORE I DO. J/K (not really though, Im running to the post office right now with my invention/patent file) hahahahaha

wilbest · 07-11-2005, 10:38 PM

This is a great system that you set up for water change. I will have to try to set up something similar! Do you have any more pics of the set up? That would help me to set up mine. Thanks a bunch.

William

03-04-2005, 07:36 PM	#1
The R/C Man Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 704	Mini Water changing system TOTW 3-21-05 Hey Everyone! This was a weekend project that will make doing water changes much easier. It is precurser to the one that will be built for my 375 which will use 38 gallon Rubbermaid garbage pales.... What it does... 1. Mixes the water and salt for a change 2. Heats the water to 78 degrees 3. Pumps new water into the tank 4. Pumps waste water into a sink/drain 5. Saves my my back from having to lift heavy containers 6. Most important NO WATER ON THE FLOOR Attached Thumbnails __________________ Greg 25 gallon reef with 20 gallon sump/fuge 375 gallon reef with 100 gallon sump/fuge: under construction Over time science has shown that the simplest answers are usually the correct ones.......

03-04-2005, 07:43 PM	#2
*Reefland* Owner Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Bardstown, KY Posts: 13,030	Hi Greg, Welcome to Reefland! This looks very interesting however from the image I can't seem to understand the operation. Could you try to explain it for me? __________________ Scott Z. 75 Gallon Reef Log Powered by Reefland's Personal Online Aquarium Log

03-04-2005, 07:57 PM	#3
The R/C Man Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 704	Hey! Thanks! The bucket on the left is filled with RO/DI water and a salt mix. By opening the valve coming from the bottom of the left bucket and the one leaving the pump I can circulate that water mixing the solution over night. That bucket also contains a heater to bring the temp to 78. To do a change I drain the water from the tank into the right bucket. Then I close the valve returning to the mixing bucket and open the one with the flexible hose. I insert that into the tank and plug in the pump. I minute later all the fresh salt water is in the tank. I then roll the unit to the sink and open the valve from the right bucket and the valve to the hose, turn on the pump and the waste water goes to the sink. No lifting of buckets and no mess.... I hope that helped..... __________________ Greg 25 gallon reef with 20 gallon sump/fuge 375 gallon reef with 100 gallon sump/fuge: under construction Over time science has shown that the simplest answers are usually the correct ones.......

03-04-2005, 08:27 PM	#4
*Reefland* Owner Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Bardstown, KY Posts: 13,030	That definitely helped, I was just trying to uderstand the ball valve configurations for operation. That is an excellent DIY project my friend! __________________ Scott Z. 75 Gallon Reef Log Powered by Reefland's Personal Online Aquarium Log

03-04-2005, 08:47 PM	#6
*Reefland* Owner Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Bardstown, KY Posts: 13,030	I have thought for a long time that I couldn't beleive someone has never come up with a "water changing device"...looks like someone has. Need to run to the patent office, although something other than HD buckets. __________________ Scott Z. 75 Gallon Reef Log Powered by Reefland's Personal Online Aquarium Log

03-04-2005, 08:37 PM	#5
The R/C Man Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 704	Thanks! I have a few more that I will be posting in the near future...... __________________ Greg 25 gallon reef with 20 gallon sump/fuge 375 gallon reef with 100 gallon sump/fuge: under construction Over time science has shown that the simplest answers are usually the correct ones.......

03-04-2005, 08:56 PM	#7
The R/C Man Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 704	I can't take the credit for that idea.... I borrowed it from someone else and tailored it to fit my needs... I guess it pays to be a member on a few different boards..... __________________ Greg 25 gallon reef with 20 gallon sump/fuge 375 gallon reef with 100 gallon sump/fuge: under construction Over time science has shown that the simplest answers are usually the correct ones.......

03-04-2005, 09:25 PM	#8
*Reefland* Owner Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Bardstown, KY Posts: 13,030	Glad you decided to share with us on our board. __________________ Scott Z. 75 Gallon Reef Log Powered by Reefland's Personal Online Aquarium Log

03-05-2005, 11:27 AM	#9
kevinpo Moderator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Spokane Valley WA Posts: 2,425	I really like that you can mix the exact amount of water that you need by being able to measure the amount you are removing. I think this would work well up to about 45gal water change (which covers most tanks). Regards, Kevin __________________ SPSguy On - On

03-17-2005, 12:13 PM	#10
scubadude Moderator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Wichita, Kansas Posts: 5,291	Love it! Sweet idea and even better engineering Greg! I totally love it. Couple of questions though if you dont mind sir The 5g new SW bucket that you have your RO/DI water coming into does it have a float of some sort? Also I see that the unit is laid on carpet, I know this would be inconvenient for you but could you possibly get a picture of it when its empty and us looking at the bottom where you have the plumbing to the buckets. The reason I ask this is that if the unit was on a surface such as tile or hardwood floor do you suppose you could put some heavy duty casters on it and even make it on wheels? That way you could cart it out of the way and put it in a closet or something when its not in use? Here is a picture of the W/C unit I made for my greenhouse....a bit more rudementary but its main purpose was your #5 of "what it does" Attached Thumbnails __________________ Rocky

03-17-2005, 01:37 PM	#11
The R/C Man Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 704	Hey Rocky! I didn't bother to use a float switch on this project because of the small bucket size. I am sure by not adding one I will be cleaning up the floor a couple times in the near future... The older you get the easier you forget things..... They say that it is the second thing to go.... I will get a pic of the bottom shortly... __________________ Greg 25 gallon reef with 20 gallon sump/fuge 375 gallon reef with 100 gallon sump/fuge: under construction Over time science has shown that the simplest answers are usually the correct ones.......

03-19-2005, 02:08 PM	#12
The R/C Man Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 704	I am going to put this thing into practice for the first time this weekend.......Ok here is a pic of the underside of the system.... Attached Thumbnails __________________ Greg 25 gallon reef with 20 gallon sump/fuge 375 gallon reef with 100 gallon sump/fuge: under construction Over time science has shown that the simplest answers are usually the correct ones.......

03-20-2005, 10:05 PM	#13
The R/C Man Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 704	Hey Everyone! I just did a water change using the above system. This thing is great!!! It took 10 minute to do a water change and not a drop ended up on the floor..... I definitaly recommend building one. You won't put those water changes off any longer... __________________ Greg 25 gallon reef with 20 gallon sump/fuge 375 gallon reef with 100 gallon sump/fuge: under construction Over time science has shown that the simplest answers are usually the correct ones.......

03-20-2005, 10:10 PM	#14
*Reefland* Owner Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Bardstown, KY Posts: 13,030	When Michelle decides she wants her new "big tank", I'll be sure to do something like this but with rubbermaid cans that are stationary. [Hint Hint] __________________ Scott Z. 75 Gallon Reef Log Powered by Reefland's Personal Online Aquarium Log

03-20-2005, 11:40 PM	#15
Poseidon Moderator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Swartz Creek, MI Posts: 6,248	Boy Scott, that is a pretty subtle hint!!! LOL looks great! I will have to build one on wheels for my 2 rubbermaids.... __________________ Need a Photographer? Just say NO to CRABS Mike

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

03-21-2005, 01:29 AM	#16
orion25 Council Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Huntsville, AL, USA Posts: 383	Grreat system, I cannot wait until we get a house (and out of this apartment). Then we can have the RO/DI & a Water change system........... Your plans will be kept in mind. Thanks!! __________________ Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things.

07-09-2005, 12:42 PM	#17
The R/C Man Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 704	Just wanted to give everyone an update on the project.... So far it has worked great!!!! I can do a water change in less than 15 minutes with no water spillage... Also it seems the Mag5 produces quite a bit of heat and will bring the water temp up to 78 degrees if left to run over night... Since this system is easy to use I am more inclined to do changes on time. Recently I had a problem with my tank and it required a large number of changes. This tool was indispensible!!!!! __________________ Greg 25 gallon reef with 20 gallon sump/fuge 375 gallon reef with 100 gallon sump/fuge: under construction Over time science has shown that the simplest answers are usually the correct ones.......

07-09-2005, 12:54 PM	#18
underseaworld Citizen Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Tonopah, AZ Posts: 205	I am a detail engineer... I need more detail on how this works and what kind of material is needed to make one. I will have a 300gl tank up and running in sept/oct time frame. I plan on having a ro/di unit. Also what ro/unit do you use? I would love to have this type of unit up and working but need very good details. Thanks ed

07-11-2005, 09:34 PM	#19
airforcelou5 New in Town Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Georgia Posts: 1	Greg, Read This DUDE THAT NEEDS TO BE PATENTED RIGHT NOW, YOU SHOULD BE SCUBA DIVING IN THE WATERS OF FIJI LOOKIN AT THE REAL DEAL. YOU COULD BE RICH!!!!!!!!!!! YOU BETTER DO IT BEFORE I DO. J/K (not really though, Im running to the post office right now with my invention/patent file) hahahahaha

07-11-2005, 10:38 PM	#20
wilbest Just Moved In Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 16	This is a great system that you set up for water change. I will have to try to set up something similar! Do you have any more pics of the set up? That would help me to set up mine. Thanks a bunch. William

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