Recycle your used tank water!

That is what I was going for, but couldn't think of how to explain. Which is why I thought I would share it. I plan to have a 20L sump wuth a built in refeugium(dsb) on one end, each side having its own overflow with a center return.

 

why not have one overflow and use a T valve to split the flow?

 

wow. :

Right.

you already said you have 0 nitrates right? So why pull the gunk out? It's not like it's adding to any problem... That stuff is food. Sometimes I just stir all that junk up into the water column, watch the coral grab what they can, watch other bits overflow into the skimmer and other bits settle back down. Then watch the CuC go to town. No algae and 0 nitrates, why even bother cleaning the water further?

If you're not doing a WC to lower nitrates, fight algae, etc. then, like others said, you're changing to add elements. You can just dose them directly and skip the water change altogether.


In other words, if you are doing a WC for elements replenishment, great. If you're doing it for getting rid of nasties, your system is out of natural balance. (not that in some cases regular WC isn't a fine solution, just saying).

 

otherwise, this is what you're talking about doing essentially

Amazon.com: EHEIM Sludge Extractor and Gravel Cleaner: Kitchen & Dining

http://www.3reef.com/forums/general-reef-topics/reef-vacuum-90647.html

 

not really, I have been wondering if you could use used water in a planted mangrove tank? the use biological filtration just like municipal water treatment plants do with treated sewage discharge?? youd still have the evap issue and your be missing other elements which you could dose? interesting, but complex.

 

I think the best way to reuse you water is to boil it down completely and cook with the salt.

 

i also bet it'd make for hilarious water balloons!

 

haha. nice.:

I was considering that too. With a Herbie OF, there wouldn't be much cost difference in plumbing.

Exactly. I would like to use this "waste" water, known to & thought of by most people as bad & turn it into a good, useful thing.

Yuck!

 

or just a little snow cone flavoring and have some dehidrayting popsicles ;D

 

Hmm, where did that extra flavor come from?

Answer, fish poo.