Making changing water easier, will this work?

[secuono]

So I am going to make the following pipe and tubing setup for two of my tanks. The 3rd is a 20 long RCS that I only use cups to change water, so no shrimp get the boot. I'm hoping this will work fairly well. The tubing will be rolled up after the valve is closed and left next to the tank until the next w/c day. I am hoping this makes taking water out a bit easier.

As for adding water, I am still having to use two tubes not 100% attached, lol. I think I've found a way to attach them. So hopefully soon adding water won't be a pain, at least not as huge of a pain.

I am thinking of doing similar things for adding water. Tube going into tank on wall high above and on a slant towards the tank. Rolled up tubing at the end that can reach the sink. This last part, I am hoping there is a way to disconnect the hose from the pipe easily. Ideas?

Anyway, here is a picture I drew up in MS Paint. Let me know if you guys see any major issues with this.

 

[hydrodmg]

looks like a great idea. How do you vacuum the sub strait

 

[secuono]

I don't, haven't in a long time.
The bottom dwellers disturb the bottom and the filters catch it. Plus the amount of plants I keep makes it impossible as well as the mulm is good fertilizer for those plants.

 

[Buckcich]

At any hardware store you'll find a garden hose quick disconnect. You'll also need a NPT (National Pipe Tread)xGarden hose adapter to go from the PVC pipe to a regular garden hose.
You can them, dedicate a garden hose for water supply and another for draining. All you have to do is move your gadget from one hose to the other.

 

[dogofwar]

I'd use larger than 1/2" PVC/tubing, especially for the larger tank...

Matt

 

[secuono]

I'm going from cpvc to the clear rubber hosing they sell. No garden hose, those are too long and a mess if you need to make it shorter[that fact is from my work, they always fail, period.]

I'm not sure I am seeing or getting the same idea on what is the 'garden hose quick disconnect.'
The one in the center right I have for the pipe to hose connection. I don't have that big circle around it's center.

 

[Buckcich]

The fittings you posted are called "unions". Those you have to screw them in kind of tight if they are not to leak. Over-kill and not to practical IMO.

What I'm talking about are these:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM2810001402P?i_cntr=1325547052975

 

[Buckcich]

Also I agree with Matt, go with 3/4" PVC/hose.

 

[leisure_man]

How do you start the siphon each time you need to take water out?

 

[secuono]

There will be water in the tube all the time, when the valve is opened again, that water will move along and pull the air out and refill w/water. I've seen that happen all the time when I'm using my clear tubing and I move and the tube comes out of the water. If there is enough water moving, it will 'catch' the water again.
If all else fails, I have no issue sucking out air from the tube, no biggie. Most people do that all the time.

Right now I have two tubes, one fits into the faucet, other doesn't I don't have a good attachment for them, so it leaks. Gotta get the hose out and unravel, somehow attach it to the tank and blah.

 

[Buckcich]

How do you start the siphon each time you need to take water out?

The quick disconnect fitting works as a check valve when you disconnect it (depends on the manufacturer).
If not, just install a in-line garden hose valve and shut it off prior to disconnecting the hose. That way it will keep water in the discharge hose under siphon, which will be restart once you turn the valve on.
You do have to initially start the siphon by sucking on the hose.

 

[Tony]

What's wrong with using a Python?

 

[verbal]

Or you can use one of these from Jehmco:

http://www.jehmco.com/html/safety_siphon_aquarium_drain.html