Who Gives A Fish Forums

Has anyone set up a whole-home automatic water change system for multiple tanks? I've got six tanks running, and manual changes are killing me. Looking for something that can handle different tank sizes, maybe 10 to 75 gallons. What's the best way to plumb this without flooding my basement?

I've been running a whole-home system for three years now. Key is a good pump and a fail-safe valve. I use a Dolphin 1200GPH with a float switch in the sump. Plumbed it all with PVC, no leaks so far. You'll wanna add a TDS meter to monitor waste water quality, though.

Yo, that sounds dope but sketchy af. What if the float switch fails? My buddy's basement got wrecked last year when his system glitched. Maybe add a backup switch or something? Also, how often you changing water with that setup?

anglerite wrote: ↑Wed Jul 30, 2025 5:50 am Yo, that sounds dope but sketchy af. What if the float switch fails? My buddy's basement got wrecked last year when his system glitched. Maybe add a backup switch or something? Also, how often you changing water with that setup?

A backup switch is a must. I use two float switches wired in series. If one fails, the other cuts power. Water changes are weekly, about 20% per tank. It's been solid for two years now.

For plumbing, use schedule 40 PVC. It's durable and easy to work with. Run separate lines for fresh and waste water to avoid cross-contamination. Label everything clearly. Also, consider a pressure regulator if your home water pressure is above 60 PSI.

I'm kinda jealous of you guys with these fancy setups. I'm still hauling buckets like a peasant. How much did your system cost to install? I've got four tanks, but my budget's tight.

Thanks for the tips, everyone. The backup switch idea is gold. Gonna start sketching out the plumbing this weekend. Appreciate the help!

If you're on a budget, check out DIY overflow systems. I rigged one with a $20 pump and some tubing. It's not as slick as a full-home setup, but it cuts my water change time in half. Just gotta watch it like a hawk.

Make sure your drain lines are bigger than your supply lines. Clogs are a nightmare. I learned that the hard way when my 1/2" drain couldn't keep up with the 3/4" supply. Flooded my sump twice before I figured it out.

Has anyone tried using smart home tech with their system? I've got mine hooked up to a Raspberry Pi that monitors flow rates and alerts me if something's off. It's overkill, but peace of mind is worth it.