Best way to change water?

[PirateOscar]

right now i use a gravel cleaning siphon into a 5 gallon bucket, then use the same bucket fill it in the bath tube and use water treatment and dump it in.

was wondering what every one else's techniques are

[navygirl76]

how big is the tank?

[thomast77]

That is exactly how I do it. I have small tanks right now though, nothing over 55g. When I go bigger I am going to have to come up with something quicker.

[rallysman]

On small tanks I use the python method, on large tanks I set up a drip system.
(assuming it's fresh water)

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

I use the python to siphon and then add prime and fill back with water. Don't have anything bigger than 125, so have no issues with it

[navygirl76]

i have a 90 and 180 gallon tanks, and i use a python to drain into a sink, and fill via the python from the sink into the tank. never had any problems doing it this way for the last 14 years.

[byeung]

I was wondering the same. Im getting a little annoyed with the 5 gallon bucket method i wasn't sure if you can just run the hose into the tank and then add water treatment after? i have a 95 gallon acrylic and always spill bc of the small holes and i have a 4'x2'x3' tank on the way and was wondering if there is an easier way?

[rallysman]

If you're using a hose add the water treatment first and shut off your filters until it's full. Also make sure the hose you're using is safe.

[V1xIII]

Use a python with a long enough hose to run out the door, and then use it to refill the tank afterwards. The sink auto-siphon thing the python can do is pretty weak compared to regular siphoning.

If you are filling the tank directly with a hose, make sure to add enough water treatment for the whole tank before you start filling.

[chesterthehero]

my method.. nothing special.. but theres no buckets
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=145342

[Dmaan.]

water python.
buy it at your lfs.
like $50 for 25' hose $75 for 50' hose.

[polish]

Python here as well after years of toting buckets around. I wish I would have switched sooner.

[xFLEAxx]

I just empty it out into a 15 gallon bucket and then I use a hose to fill it up. I have a 55 and a 75

[Pharaoh]

If you go onine, you could probably buy a python for cheaper than $50. I would suggest that you make the investment in a python or a drip system. The day of the bucket has passed.

[Dracor]

Python at walmart is about $35 for a 25' and it would be your best investment you ever made for cleaning!

For small tanks 10/20 gallons, I use a hose off of an old siphon to clean out the bottom and drain the water. Then use the python to refill them.

[freshwater freak]

the pyton method so much easier than a bucket

[TwistedPenguin]

Or rig up your own "python" with a garden hose. If you cut the end of a garden hose off a typical gravel syphon hose will shove right into it and you can run the other end out the door. Then get an adapter and hook that end (that's running out the door) up to a faucet to refill. I don't use the python faucet attachment thingy anyway because our water pressure is too low to do me much good with it.

[red_wall]

I just fill the bucket, add the de-chlorinator, set the bucket next to my tank, then put a cheap fountain pump and pump the water into the tank

[frasertheking]

yeah same 5 gal bucket ,small pump and some hose im in the loft so getting a 5gal bucket up a ladder is hard work :cry:

[RedAlkiestarte]

Gravel syphon + Window = easy

Thats what I do lol

[Danger_Chicken]

If you go onine, you could probably buy a python for cheaper than $50. I would suggest that you make the investment in a python or a drip system. The day of the bucket has passed.

Agreed! I use a python on my smaller tanks

[Pharaoh]

Before I got the sink plummend in my basement. I ran a Python all the way from the kitchen sink upstairs to fill the tanks. I just had my fiance man the tap while I moved back and forthe between tanks. Keep in mind I just used a second Python to syphon the gravel and drian the tanks. It drained intot the sump pump area.

[ctoychik]

For indoor aquariums (7' and 8'), i use submersible pump to get rid of water then use the same submersible to pump prepared water (two 55galon buckets which have been treated with conditioner and salt) back into the tank. Two water changes weekly at 25%.

For outdoor pond/aquarium (3x2m), i just open a drain then let some water out then i open a tap (which runs through a 0.5 micron filter and carbon). this one takes half a day to put in 20 cm. In any case, due to the size of the set-up, the water changes are not so frequent

[chloe]

my tank is in my bay window, with windows that open at each end :D. so i put my syphone in one end and out the window and then a hose pipe in the window at the other end! jons a goodun! then chuck in the air stone while i wait for the heater to adjust, then stick on the heater and its all done :headbang2
i dont use any water treatments unless any thing is the matter but i do regular water tests and there has never been anything wrong with it sinve iv been using this method!

[Dixon81]

Submersible garden hose pump and then re fill with 1/2 water line pipped into tank. extremly easy and quick

[Dracor]

I use my python's, 2 25' hoses from the kitchen on the first floor down to the basement. And for the tanks that are towards the front of the house I have a partial 15' piece of garden hose that does the trick. Draining the tank is easier for normal water changes, I just send the water to the drain in the basement. Of course the tanks upstairs are easier just using the python.

[West1]

For my 300, I use a garden hose to empty half of my tank. It takes about 20min
Then I add prime and dose it with 5 caps (about 250gls worth of prime treat) then I get the water hose and fill her up. When the water gets to about 3/4 I add 2.5 more caps to go over 3250gls of water cause of my 50gl sump and canister.

Temp drops about 4* but fish are still active and eat during water change.

When I add the water, I add it med. Not to fast cause the water may be cold

Then turn on the swith and UV, Canisters, Pump start her up and
running:naughty:
I tried the Syphon thing and almost passed out. I was almost late to work the next day ;) :ROFL:(J/K)

[cichlid savage]

I use a gravel syphon into a 30 Gal trashcan (used for my fish only) use that water to water the house plants repeat as neccessary then refill the can with fresh water treat and pump back into the tanks. I like using the gravel vac to thorougly clean substrate.

[Toodleypops]

simple gravel syphon to bathtub then reverse process

[navygirl76]

also, ive been warned about using garden hoses (??) someone told me that some of the rubber and plastic they use in them are mildew resistant and have chemicals in them that will kill your fish.. i dont use garden hose (a python is what i use) so im not sure..

has anyone else heard this?

[TwistedPenguin]

Hi again :-) Yea, I have heard that also. I do use a python but I also have a 50' garden hose I use. They have 25' garden hoses that are labeled for drinking water that would be safe. I'd already been using my black 50' hose for months before I read any warnings and the fish were fine so I've just kept using it.

[PirateOscar]

[quote=TwistedPenguin;2177147;]Hi again :-) ...........They have 25' garden hoses that are labeled for drinking water that would be safe...quote]


whoa hoses have to be drinking water safe..iv been drinking out of the hose since i was a wee lad

[TwistedPenguin]

Ha :-) Well that's for the squeamish. I used to eat dinner with the same hands I collected bugs with all day years ago, too. Wait....that was last week....
Seriously though-for the safety of the fish had I known about the garden hose warnings I'd have gotten one of the ones labeled 'safe'. I'm not near as concerned about my own safety.

[PirateOscar]

im not near as concerned of my own as well ( does that make us wierd?)

that being said im heading to lowes to find a hose more suitable

[itzacraze]

python if you age water get a rubbermaid garbage can

[cogs]

i just stur up the gravel once a fortnight then 50% water change always good but dubble dose prime never had probs

[Fallen]

I installed full plumbing in the wall next to my 75 gal with an electric pump for syphoning. Also have a temperature gauge so my refill comes out at exactly 84 degrees. My tap water has almost no chlorine so no need for treatment. I do 25% water changes every 3 days for my Discus. It only takes about 20 mins with this setup. It's all hidden away behind a little trap door beside the tank.

[esse]

In my part of the world we are in drought and we have water restrictions. Using a Python is very slow and dumps a lot of good water down the drain.
I use gravel vacuum to siphon to the grass and trees in back yard. Then 5/8” tubing with hose fitting from sink to tank to refill (Prime added). This works well for me. 1. Quick easy water change. 2. No wasted water down the drain. 3. Happy trees and grass getting lots of good fish water. And 4. Happy me not growing gray hair waiting for the python to do its thing.
:headbang2

[Fallen]

My tank sits right next to a window, so I take a little car jack...jack it up a bit and tip it to the side so some water pours out. Then I fill it back up with gatorade bottles or whatever ive got layin around. Last week it was grape juice bottles.



:ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::ROFL:

[convict1]

Nice you really need to use a screen.:drool:

[1974Pantera]

My tanks are next to a window so I just use a gravel syphon connected to an extra pc of tubing right on to the lawn.

I have an adaptor from the kitchen sink to a good quality hose for the 125 and 75 gal tanks, adding the conditioner first in the water. For smaller changes, it the bathtub and a 5 gal Black Mountain bottle. Good exercise carring that 5 gal bottle around?

I have a 40 gal in the kitchen, so I just use a large water pitcher to refill the tank. Speaking of which, got one pesky electric lab in that tank causing all sorts of chaos, he is relentless in his bulling? Never had an electric yellow so full of piss and vinegar, guess he has a small fish complex, he's the little guy in the tank but carries a big stick?

[vfc]

After wasting many hours over the years lugging 5G buckets up & down steps; I installed a hot/cold water line. With this setup I change 50% of my 150G on one day, and 50% of both 75Gs the next day. Water changes and gravel vac take less than 30 minutes. Everything is ready to go when needed, and the submersible pump does not need priming.

[Fallen]

After wasting many hours over the years lugging 5G buckets up & down steps; I installed a hot/cold water line. With this setup I change 50% of my 150G on one day, and 50% of both 75Gs the next day. Water changes and gravel vac take less than 30 minutes. Everything is ready to go when needed, and the submersible pump does not need priming.


Very nice setup :thumbsup:. I'll try and get some pictures of my setup. Instead of the separate cold and hot taps I used a dial from a shower. You can lock it in at a specific temperature.

[Pharaoh]

Very nice setup :thumbsup:. I'll try and get some pictures of my setup. Instead of the separate cold and hot taps I used a dial from a shower. You can lock it in at a specific temperature.


I would love to see pics of that. Bring em on!!:popcorn:

[Fallen]

I would love to see pics of that. Bring em on!!:popcorn:


Sorry it took so long. Still need to paint the front.

[Sanjo Eel]

right now i use a gravel cleaning siphon into a 5 gallon bucket, then use the same bucket fill it in the bath tube and use water treatment and dump it in.

was wondering what every one else's techniques are
For the average hobbyist, Python FTW! But some of you have great systems!! Nice work!:headbang2

[Pharaoh]

that is an awesome setup. You should PM a Parts list just to look over.

[Ill take that mean one]

I age water in 55 gallon run it with marineland biolwheel add conditioners then do water change using a 350 magnum canister with no filter and media but you need extra long hoses.Marine land sells em perty cheap but that set up is ossom man

[zennzzo]

Sorry it took so long. Still need to paint the front.Perfect, love the proportioner valve, nice touch, oh and hey, right into the gray water pipe...KUDOS...

[stingray94]

I'll post pictures of what my dad set up for me later.. all I have to do is turn 2 valves to drain the tank and I fill it with a hose.