I set up a small tank for my wife's office at work. I want it to be as "easy" as possible for her to do water changes. Have tank, then two buckets (one large reservior with fresh water, plus one smaller for waste water).

No sink, no tap water in vicinity.

The fill is no big deal, the drain I have to "design". Attached is my simple plan.

I would be grateful for feedback or suggestions for easier / common ways of doing this. Also, if stand pipe is good idea, how do I decide how tall it has to be?

Thanks,

Why is the pump needed? You could just use a siphon directly to the drain bucket, with a shut-off valve in it - open valve, water drains, close valve. The pump could then be used to pump in the replacement water.

Vaughn, many thanks.

Pump instead of continuous siphon with valve, because if valve failed tank would empty (to intake level), and possible overflow of waste water bucket - either of which would result in my murder.

Though on your comment perhpas I could nix the pump, and just have the terminal part of the exit tube hang on a hook higher than tank level, when not in use.

Thanks,

Simple quarter turn plastic shutoff valves, Ace - Ace Tree: Plumbing: Plumbing Hardware: Valves: Ball Valves: Plastic Ball Valves, are very reliable. I have used them for years without ever having a failure. Since they are mechanical there aren't many things that could go wrong with one. But, murder as a consequence does tend to clarify ones thinking!

Plumbing in a system like you need is very easy and foolproof using PVC piping and fittings, and leaves you with a simple water change system too.