Continual water change - automated trickle system

[Finley]

Hi

Has anyone designed and set up a system which automates a continual process of water changing? e.g. Have a small tank of treated water in the roof with a drip feed into the main tank, which in turn has a drip outlet into a waste water area?

When I set up the big tank that I'm planning, I'd love to design and build something like this. I'm hoping to learn from anyone who's trodden this path before...!!

Thanks,

Finley

[Nolapete]

Neo has a sticky either here or on MFK with one.

[Mgamer20o0]

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=113873

[JohnInFlorida]

This link http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/photo-album/49941-180-gallon-renovation-photojournal-pics-2.html#post445394 takes you to a post (#23 of the thread) that describes my auto change system. I am on a well and so do not need to treat the water but adjustments could be made to accommodate that. I know this is a "low-tech, non-nifty" method of water changing, but that fits my style. IMO sometimes "Keep it simple, son." (KISS) really is appropriate.

It's been in operation for about 6 months now without a hiccup and I've got the drip rate set to add 18 gallons per day. According to this link http://www.angelfish.net/DripSystemcalc.php, that is equal to a weekly 50% water change in my 180.

Keep Smilin'
John :)

[vidiots]

I don't do a continuous water change but do a 10% daily on my 180gal tank. I too am on well water. Just hooked my tap water into my sump tank with a manual valve to control the flow rate and a solenoid valve plugged into a timer. I drilled some overflows into the back of my sump which are connected to the house drain. The sump isn't necessary as can get tanks with overflows or even drill them yourself if the glass isn't tempered. I just used the sump as it allows me to hide everything out of site. Syphon overflows are available if you can't or don't want to buy a new tank or drill an existing tank. I would consider the drilled overflow a more bullet proof setup.

In this area everyones setup is a little different as it needs to be customized to what they have to work with.