Using an ATO to make water changes easier

[Gonzobob]

OK, everyone talks about water changes but in my experience the discussion goes something like this:

Hey, they recommend X% every X days.

Which I do….. or try to do…. Or do every X-Y days.

So methodology of accomplishing X every Y days is something that, in my experience, doesn’t get discussed.

With that as an opening statement I’m willing to accept that either this is already common knowledge, or that the reason that no one does this is well known and undoubtedly someone will chime in immediately.

Using an ATO to make water changes easier

Requirements:

Tank has to be setup with an ATO.

Parts:

2X 5 gallon buckets or other containers, (one for new water, one for waste)

Pump such as maxi-jet (capable of matching the flow, at head, of your preferred siphon hose)

Tubing connected to pump

2^nd pump (in bucket circulation) (or same connected to tubing)

Thermometer / heater for checking / preparing water (ph or other testing)

Method

Mix salt to desired specific gravity, allow to sit for 24 + hours, test for temp / ph / specific gravity ect.

Move bucket next to ato reservoir.

Clamp tube from pump into sump or sump area, or wherever ATO is plumbed (ok, not into the water, as you don’t want any back siphon), adjacent and at the same level as your current ATO plumbing is ideal

Unplug pump from reservoir, plug in pump in bucket so as to use ATO float valve and switch.

Siphon water out as normal.

ATO automatically replaces removed water, having the same capacity waste and replacement water containers makes balancing removal / replacement easier.

Once finished unplug pump from ATO.

Replug pump from ato reservoir and dispose of old water as normal.

Caviets: I have a total (currently) of 5 tanks, using the term loosely that require water changes. This method has over the last 3 months made water changes for these tanks easier to manage as I really hate the drain then replace method I’d been using previously.

[+Hydro]

I used to use my ATO to do water changes for my old tank. My tank system was 300 gallons total and I did weekly water changes of 30 gallons (10%). My ATO was 30 gallons also. The day before water changes I simply filled my ATO res and mixed in the salt which I had a measurement for, didn't need to check salinity. The next day I tuned off the main pump to the tank and used a submersible pump to empty the 30 gallon sump out. I had a quick release 1/2" hose for my res along with the 1/4" tube ATO tube. I turned on the quick release and filled the sump back up with the 30 gallons from the ATO res...then turned back on the main pump to the tank and I was done. With the water ready I could do a change in about 10 mins, I don't think that it can get an easier than that.

[barderer]

Yeah if you have a large stable tank these systems can be great. Most people with smaller tanks use water changes to clean rocks and get algae out etc. So as long as you don't have to actually put your hands in your tank a ATO assisted changer is great.

[Gonzobob]

I clean during alternate water changes. Using the siphon works just the same.