Probably the most boring, irritating job that we have to do routinely on a planted tank is drain and refill the tank. We should do this weekly or more often when using the EI dosing method, or when keeping big polluters like Discus, or when starting an ADA Aquasoil tank. For many of us this means dragging out the Python or DIY Python, connecting it to the sink plumbing, running back and forth adjusting water flow, etc. I find this enough of an aggravation that I seem to drag out the time between changes as long as possible - well beyond weekly.
I installed a continuous flow water change system for my tank, but I still need to drain it down often enough that I dread the job. So, I need a semi-automatic plumbing system, located right at the tank, where I can manipulate some valves and do the drain and refill with no other equipment needed. That is my current project, still in the planning stage.
Here is the plumbing system I am planning to install - but changes may be made as I think of them or as someone suggests them:
This will consist of a row of PVC 1/2" ball valves ($2.50 each) plumbed with tees and elbows, mounted on a piece of plywood, with a chart of valve positions for each setup, as shown below.
Does anyone see a problem with this? It isn't an expensive project, but I would still hate to have to do it twice.
