I was tired of changing 130+ gallons per week on my heavily stocked 265, so I decided to do something about it.
The nitrates would reach 60-80ppm in a week, and would reduce to about 20ppm after a big water change. After this drip system, the nitrates are at a constant 15 ppm. (it took a while to level out)
It all starts with a 25psi pressure regulator attached to a faucet in my (gross) basement:
It then goes to a carbon water filter to remove chorine:
After the filter, it's reduced to a 1/8" fitting that I got from Lowes:
From that fitting, the 1/8" line extends through the wall (the rest is in the basement). The small line is the supply line, and the big line is the drain, which we will get to in a minute.
The 1/8" line extends to a rose garden drip emitter, that can be purchased at Lowes or online @ www.rainbird.com. This emitter drips 1gph into the tank, changing 24 gallons per day (but slightly more diluted than you would get with a normal water change).
The level of the tank wont rise, because I have a wet/dry filter. However, the level of the sump will increase, so I drilled the sump to stay at the desired water level.
Finally, the "waste" water goes back down into my basemeny (by gravity) and is drained into my house sump.
Sometimes I collect this water for plants.
Thank you for taking the time to take a look at this system, and if it's feasable, I suggest you try it.
It has been 5 months since i've done a water change on this tank, and the fish look better than ever. The nitrates stay low, and the only maintenance is gravel vacs every once in a while and pre-filter changes. It has brought more enjoyment to my hobby
The nitrates would reach 60-80ppm in a week, and would reduce to about 20ppm after a big water change. After this drip system, the nitrates are at a constant 15 ppm. (it took a while to level out)
It all starts with a 25psi pressure regulator attached to a faucet in my (gross) basement:
It then goes to a carbon water filter to remove chorine:
After the filter, it's reduced to a 1/8" fitting that I got from Lowes:
From that fitting, the 1/8" line extends through the wall (the rest is in the basement). The small line is the supply line, and the big line is the drain, which we will get to in a minute.
The 1/8" line extends to a rose garden drip emitter, that can be purchased at Lowes or online @ www.rainbird.com. This emitter drips 1gph into the tank, changing 24 gallons per day (but slightly more diluted than you would get with a normal water change).
The level of the tank wont rise, because I have a wet/dry filter. However, the level of the sump will increase, so I drilled the sump to stay at the desired water level.
Finally, the "waste" water goes back down into my basemeny (by gravity) and is drained into my house sump.
Sometimes I collect this water for plants.
Thank you for taking the time to take a look at this system, and if it's feasable, I suggest you try it.
It has been 5 months since i've done a water change on this tank, and the fish look better than ever. The nitrates stay low, and the only maintenance is gravel vacs every once in a while and pre-filter changes. It has brought more enjoyment to my hobby
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