Weekly Water Change Container

Question
Hi Gerry,
I am setting up a new 75 gal. Marine tank and would like to get your input on the following.
Can you recommend a container (glass or plastic) that I can use to make the water changes more convenient? I am thinking of pre-mixing the water and having the container housed above the display tank. In order to drip the new water into the main tank.
Thanks a lot...

Answer
hi blake,

   WOW! Sounds like a great idea setting up a constant drip for water parameter stability, however the tank you would be feeding the main tank with would most likely be very heavy and possibly hard to hide, decoratively speaking. You also face the task of allowing the same amount of water to drip out of the system at the exact same rate to maintain the correct water level. The temperature and ph in the drip tank has to match the temp and ph in the display tank. I have found the simpler you make it the easier it is. I have a 75 gallon also. In addition to about two inches of live sand and about 90 lbs of cured live rock, I use a 29 gallon tank filled with bioballs along with a penguin bio wheel filter underneath the main display tank as my biological and mechanical means of filtering and maintaining water purity. I also have an ultra violet srerilizer to kill bacteria as water from the sump tank runs to and from it. If you are not able to move or lift  a five gallon bucket of water, I have found the easiest way to do a water change is a python water remover and fill system available at most pet stores. I do it the old fashioned way because not only do I need the excersize but I can monitor the temp, ph, etc. by using a five gal plastic bucket, the correct amount of salt, an airstone attached to a whisper pump, and a submersible heater. I keep the water in my tanks about 78 deg. After matching the water in my fill bucket with the water in my display tank, I shut down all operation in the main tank. I use a 3/4 inch clear hose to suction 5 gal of display tank water into empty 5 gal bucket. Then take my clean water after, curing for three days, [and using a plastic pitcher] pour it into display tank overflow where it goes directly into bottom sump tank. you can also use a mag drive water pump submerged in full bucket and a piece of hose to refill. Just remember as you refill you must again turn on the system so water returns to the main tank from  the sump tank to prevent overflow. Above all please, please be patient with the introduction of all living organisms. they are all extremely fragile when being placed in a new enviornment. Cure your water and make sure temp, ph, and salinity are all within general guidlines and then cycle your tank. As you add live sand, then live rock, then a few damsels over a period of a few weeks you will see a dramatic rise in ammonia, this will cycle naturally into nitrites and the into nitrates. Nitrates are harmless to fish, but not so hot in a reef tank. After a total of about 4 to 5 weeks you can start adding the beautiful fish you have always wanted. Unless they school add one at a time over a two to four week period of time. Remember the ocean is huge and for the most part changes very little to its inhabitants, whereas the even a relatively small change in water quality or temp in a 75 gal ecosystem may have a larger effect then you might imagine. patience, patience, patience. Good luck and set it up right for success, gerry.