Setups for large partial water changes.

[jimangie1973]

I'm currently using a Python to do water changes. I would like to treat my tap water prior to refilling. up to 40G at a time. I will be using the Python to fill a treatment container, then using a water pump to move the treated water to the main tank. For those already doing this, here are some questions:

1. What do you use for a container? I figure I can get a rubbermaid or similar container for this.

2. What water pumps will work for this? Will pretty much any powerhead push water up 4 feet through say 1/2 inch tubing? Specific setup info would be very helpful here.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Raskolnikov]

I use 55g barrels to age my water prior to doing water changes, filled several days before use with a Python.
pic1:

In the bottom of the barrels I keep a Magdrive submersible pump (the 5-9 series are great for this application) with the output aimed upwards. A heater is attached to the wall of the barrel. The agitation of the pump ensures quick even heating and plenty of agitation for offgassing.
pic2:

After removing the desired quantity of water from my tank(s), I simply attach a length of 1/2" tubing to the pump and refill the tank as so.
pic3:

pic4:

I basically do the reverse for the removal of the old water. I siphon it into an empty barrel and pump it out into the yard or down the drain. I do use a larger pump (Magdrive 24), and 1" tubing for this to speed up the process.
pic5:

 

[tre8160]

I use Rubbermaid brute cans to store my RO/DI water in. Never had any problem with leeching or otherwise. Test water with conductivity meter, always 0. As for the pump You'll want something a little bigger than what you got in mind, unless you wanna stand there all day. I use an inexpensive ViaAqua M#2600 to pump the water.

 

[RTR]

I use 55 gal rubbermaid drums on caster bases with Eheim hobby pumps for circulation and mild areation: http://www.gwapa.org/articles/august2005/index.html Scroll down to one of the shots labeled "Behind the wall-o-tanks -- more tanks!". One of the reservoirs is right foreground of the shot. The internal pump connects to the tubing shown looping over the rim (it drops to the floor) and then back up to hook onto the rim again. There is also a heater mounted on a strip of glass in each resservoir. The reservoirs are filled by the Python.

 

[jimangie1973]

Thanks so much to everyone for the responses. They've been extremely helpful. The pictures are fantastic. You guys have some beautiful tanks.

I' m going to go with the following pump setup (According to the Eheim website, these all should fit one another).

Eheim hobby pump 1250:
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_sku=7620

12/16mm tubing
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_sku=7783

U connector for 12/16mm tubing
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_sku=6696