Water change equipment

[Nic479]

Hi,

I'm trying to find the best way to do brackish water changes? Ie do people mix water in some sort of water container then use a pump to fill tank or would this work being lower than the tank? I've seen those python things but they only work on your tap? (Not brackish!) I know you can also get the reef float but they are very expensive! HELP

[JRC3]

What size aquarium?

Most of us use a Rubbermade "Big Brute" trash can. Not sure what is available for you but any food safe container that is heavy duty enough to hold water should be fine. I use a fountain/pond pump to mix the water and also transfer it to the tank. Some people use a powerhead. A heater can also be used to keep the mixed water the same temp as the tank.


Here's a vid I just found that explains pretty well.
http://youtu.be/LN5WypLDZxA


You can also make a one of these to help with draining and filling. http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk16 ... filler.jpg

[Pufferpunk]

You can use the Python to drain the water while cleaning substrate but you are correct about needing a pump to get the BW back up into the tank to fill.

[Nic479]

Thanks everyone! You have confirmed what I thought! You have got to think about your own health when doing these things ( can always tell who the spinal nurse is, lol )

[RTR]

My techniques are pretty much the same as the above. The Python is used for water removal and vacuuming substrate from the occupied tank. Food safe plastics and spare fish tanks for python filling with tap water, That water is moved by pumps to spare tanks for adding marine mix to the proper level. The use water is again pumped to the fish tank. Pressure pumps can lift water as required.

[Pufferpunk]

Yes, I forgot to mention, those same pumps can be used for proper mixing of salt into holding water.