Apex dos for AWC

[torchreefer]

Hey, I'm looking for advice on the Apex dos. I have this set up on a tank. People's thoughts on daily water changes?

 

[SPR1968]

If you have Apex, dos is simple to set up, like very simple, and works

As far as water changes themselves, prepare for a long debate…..

 

[torchreefer]

It was supper simple to set up. But is it better to change through the day. All at once. Once a week multiple days a week?

 

[Boaz]

I've been using DOS for AWC at rate of 1 gal day on about 110 gallons for about 6 months. On weekends, I manually change another 2-4 gals to syphon out the detritus. The AWC works great and makes the manual work much more manageable since my water station is in the basement. Pretty easy to carry 3 gals up the stairs. Mine runs continuous, but I don't have a reason for that choice. The water has been crystal clear since I started this AWC routine, IMHO.

Edit: my storage tank is 35 gals, so I only have to refill once a month, which is nice.

 

[Zach W]

I've been using DOS for AWC at rate of 1 gal day on about 110 gallons for about 6 months. On weekends, I manually change another 2-4 gals to syphon out the detritus. The AWC works great and makes the manual work much more manageable since my water station is in the basement. Pretty easy to carry 3 gals up the stairs. Mine runs continuous, but I don't have a reason for that choice. The water has been crystal clear since I started this AWC routine, IMHO.

Edit: my storage tank is 35 gals, so I only have to refill once a month, which is nice.

I’m in a similar situation as OP in that I’m setting up a AWC currently. Much like your setup, I will be doing 1GPD changes and have 32gal containers so 1 month before refilling and mixing new saltwater. Out of curiosity what salt are you using and how has the long term storage of your premixed SW been? Thanks!

 

[Boaz]

@Zach W I use TM Pro Reef. I'm still debating if it's worth the extra cost, but the tank is approaching 1 year old and stability seems to be improving all the time. Ha, I also don't change a lot of things like I did the first 6 months. I'm sure that helps. I haven't seen any negatives in the SW storage. I plan to clean the container out and sanitize it this summer, or once a year, just for my own peace of mind. I tested salinity about a month ago when less than half full and parameters were spot on with my tank water. Didn't check the Alk, Cal, Mag levels. It's about 6% weekly, so shouldn't cause any massive swings. For me, I believe in doing water changes and this just makes it much easier. It takes about 30 minutes to do the manual change and syphon out the junk. I can do that on Saturday morning while the family is still sleeping and I'm done for the week. My container was purchased at Tractor Supply Company.