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#1
05-17-2012, 03:12 AM
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I wouldnt DIY one because of the reasons mentioned above, but if I had the cash and really wanted auto water changes....
http://www.genesisreefsystems.com/categories.php?cat=7
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#2
05-17-2012, 03:42 PM
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It seems like this may not be the best idea.
I did not plan on just using two pumps on timers but rather use the apex controller to coordinate various float switches, pumps and monitors. I would have the NSW water bucket running with a pump for circulation and a heater and heater probe to sync the temp with the DT. At a specific time my apex would shut down my ato outlet and tun on the pump in the sump until a low water level float switch was activated. I would also include a timed shut off that was only a few seconds longer that the time needed to pump out the osw and possibly a back up low float switch. Then after waiting a few moments a pump in the nsw would activate and fill the sump up to the best water level line in my tank which would be the same as the ato switch height. I would also use a back up timer that ran a few seconds longer in case the switch were to fail and also include a back up float switch. After the switch was tripped my ato would be turned back on again. The system would only be changing maybe a 1/2 gallon per day and I could possibly use a salinity probe in the tank to monitor any possible salinity shifts to stop the process or set off alarms. I have seen the Genesis water change system and it looks nice but don't see how it is less prone to failure and seems to make you change at least on gallon at a time. Thanks for your responses. Maybe this might not be a good idea but I have seen a few examples of system like this on the internet. Do you all still think it would be a bad idea?
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#3
05-17-2012, 04:12 PM
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I do a daily water change on my 120 reef and love it. I use pump from my basement, controlled by an Aqua jr to bring up the new water up for 1 min. In the sump I have a float switch on a timer and its on for about 15min a day, just in case of a power outage. My one problem was setting the float switch right. I solved this by using a magnetic probe holder to hold the float switch, easy to a just.
On a smaller tank I would use a dosing pumps to add and remove water. I would add the water first and then when its done, have the pump remove the water. I check my salinity about once very week or two.
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120 G sps reef, looking to build bigger. 
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#4
05-17-2012, 04:24 PM
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Hmmm, 20% after change every 2 weeks is only 5 gallons. Seems like a lot of extra work and expense you're considering for such a small tank.
I would only consider an automated system for a tank over 100 gals
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Last tank was 210 reef with 90 gal sump 120 , lps. 2xKessil A350W Tuna Blues, 2xvortech mp40 for flow,aqualogic 1/4 hp chiller, 160 lbs live rock. sohal, , pair of percs,flame dotty back , royal gramma, pair of black percs, niger trigger, mandarin 55 corner bowfront freshwater, African cichlids kessil a350 30 gal 36x36 coffee table fish tank. 3 red ear sliders. 5.5 gal nano, live rock, arrow crab, baby perc, firefish.
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#5
05-18-2012, 08:44 PM
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If you're only looking at changing 1/2g per day (less than 2 liters) I would just go to Walmart and buy (2) 2000ml liquid measuring cups. One scoop of dirty water out of the tank and one scoop of new water in. Done in 30 seconds with no chance of failure.
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