My DYI Water Change System

[Jbell]

Just want to share this project with you guys.

To start out I was doing my water changes with a Python to fill and a water hose hooked to a suction pump from Tractor supply $84 to siphon .
Once I got my 150 gal Discus tank it was taking 30 minutes to fill with Python. So I got a 50 gal tubby and a pump from Harbour Freight $35 and 1 1/2 hose which cut my time down considerably. Still with all the tanks we have it was taking too long to do water changes and roll all those hoses up and store everything out in the shop.

So in to the new and improved system. First off I started by building a manifold so I could syphon any of my two display tanks with a turn on a valve or use a hose for other tanks though out the house. I hooked the suction pump straight to a bathroom drain under the house using 3/4 pvc . Then I ran 3/4 pvc to my 90 gal and 150 gal tanks for drainage hooked to the manifold.
For filling I purchased a 55 gallon water storage tank $141 and placed in a pantry in the house ( my water room��).
I then spliced into my hot and cold water line and ran then into the pantry to fill the storage tank ( takes about 10 minutes ). I use a outside faucet splitter so I can adjust water temperatures depending on which tanks I'm filling. I ran 3/4 pvc to each display tank for filling. To switch between the fill lines I put hose quick connect on each.
I use two outdoor Wireless remote controlling to start and stop the pumps but for some reason they will not stop the suction pump maybe due to amp draw. To correct this issue I put a on/off switch on suction pump that way I can remote start but have to turn it off at outlet.
The pantry did not have an outlet so I went through the light socket.

This system makes me not dread water changes at all I actually find myself doing more now than ever before.
Go here for better pictures

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1082564715120951&id=903458666364891

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[DJW]

This looks like a good system. The only thing I would do differently is wire a new receptacle in the pantry using the existing wiring behind the light fixture. Those adapters are typically rated for only 660 watts. Any more than that and there is a fire hazard. But if the heater, one pump, and the light bulb add up to less wattage then its ok.

Plumbing the tank drains directly to the house sewer line makes a big difference. Before I did that my wife was getting tired of seeing fish tank crud in the bathtub.

[MattArmstrong]

Hey Jbell, where did you get your storage tank, and what are its dimensions? I've been looking for something that can fit in an 18-20" space next to a water heater.

[Jack L]

hi, TFS, clever solution.

FYI, i used those type of connectors before and the clamp part failed. but i just used PVC glue and it worked great, and then i didn't need the clamps

[Jbell]

MattArmstrong I got the tank from a place near Memphis Tn.
http://www.tank-depot.com/b-3363/tank-depot-of-arlington-tn
But I believe they have distributors all over.

Size is 55 gallon
18"L x 18"W x 45"H

[Jbell]

Jack L. I'm planing on running hard lines but trying to figure out how to mix the hot/cold. Any suggestions would be appreciated

[DJW]

Jbell, check out this thread:

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?122512-Thermostat-Mixing-Valve-Any-thoughts-knowledge-or-applications

[Wes]

Jack L. I'm planing on running hard lines but trying to figure out how to mix the hot/cold. Any suggestions would be appreciated



http://www.watts.com/pages/learnAbout/temperingValves.asp?catId=

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Honeywell-Thermostatic-Mixing-Valve-AM101C-US-1/202264710

thermostatic valves

[Jbell]

http://www.watts.com/pages/learnAbout/temperingValves.asp?catId=

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Honeywell-Thermostatic-Mixing-Valve-AM101C-US-1/202264710

thermostatic valves

Thanks Wes I've checked them out but currently looking for a larger less noisy drain pump. As time goes on I'll end up placing a thermostaic valve on the system.

[Jack L]

Jack L. I'm planing on running hard lines but trying to figure out how to mix the hot/cold. Any suggestions would be appreciated

that is a storage tank right? why do you need to mix hot/cold into a storage tank?

i just put cold in my storage tank and use a heater to bring it up some. but i might stop that as the Ds i have are now bigger and not so fragile.

[Jbell]

that is a storage tank right? why do you need to mix hot/cold into a storage tank?

i just put cold in my storage tank and use a heater to bring it up some. but i might stop that as the Ds i have are now bigger and not so fragile.



Jack it is a storage tank but I do over 300 gallons most days and it's only a 55 gal drum. But I've decided not to go the thermostaic anyway since I have tanks of all different temps. If I waited for a heater I could only do 1 tank a day. I'm blessed with good water it's the same out of tap as it is aged.

[Moon]

Jack L. I'm planing on running hard lines but trying to figure out how to mix the hot/cold. Any suggestions would be appreciated
I used a shower control unit. Worked well for a number of years.

[Jbell]

I used a shower control unit. Worked well for a number of years.



Thanks Moon I'll look into that.