D-I-Y pumped water changer

[rbel]

Has anyone put together a pumped water changer?

The Python is not quite what I want for 2 reasons:
1) all the water goes to waste and we want to use it in the garden
2) the 50' model costs around $120 in the UK.

I am thinking of using a small variable output pump connected to a tubular gravel cleaner at one end and 50' of suitable hose at the other which will conect to the garden hose. I think that a pump is probably necessary to achieve the sort of throughput that a syphon based system is unable to achieve.

 

[Rallysman]

how about a submersible pump connected to a hose? Simple and effective.

 

[DrussRob]

I'm not 100% sure myself, but I believe I've heard other people saying that using some garden hoses can be bad for the fish because of the type of plastic or something like that.

 

[blackwolfXKAV]

...garden hoses can be bad for the fish because of the type of plastic...

oops....is there permanent damage to the tank its put into?

sorry>/hijack

 

[rbel]

how about a submersible pump connected to a hose? Simple and effective.

If I use an external pump I can fit a tubular gravel cleaner on if I wish. Probably fit the pump with a simple Hozelock type connector on the inlet and outlet and mount it on the inside of one of the aquarium cabinet doors.

 

[rbel]

I'm not 100% sure myself, but I believe I've heard other people saying that using some garden hoses can be bad for the fish because of the type of plastic or something like that.

I have checked this with hose suppliers, Hozelock, and they advise that it is possible that chemicals from the interior of garden hose could leach into stagnant water left in the hose. They suggest that for filling a tank either food quality (potable water) hose is used or, if using garden hose, ensure that it is flushed through for a couple of minutes prior to use.

 

[desertgoldhound]

I agree flushing should fix this problem. You don't think that all of the garden ponds out there are being fed by a bucket do you. Of course not they are using a garden hose when they first fill it up and then are treating it for clorine. Garden hoses will work fine. I have used them on numberless acations.

 

[Native American]

I built one using a powerhead attached to some PVC and a hose-end barbed fitting for the hose that goes to my gravel vac, as I always vacuum gravel during a water change.

Just a little noisy until water begins to fill a couple inches of the 5-gal bucket it drops into.

v/r, N-A