Help - Idea for easier WC in apartment

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Crazed Demasoni

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
May 19, 2010
188
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Massachusetts
I have a 29g setup planted setup, and live in an apartment too far from a sink for a python to be of any use, and don't want to spend the $50ish on one anyway. I was thinking, what's stopping me from basically taking a 10g bucket/cooler on wheels type thing, putting a submersible water pump in it, then letting that refill my tank once I've drained some of the water?

I'm interested in pump recommendations, or if I should just look and try to find a used canister as a pump. My current routine is 2 5gallon water jugs (the water cooler type with handles) so I don't mind carrying them back and forth, but I'd prefer a more controlled flow into the tank (to avoid stirring up ecocomplete / annoying my plants)

Sound reasonable?
Looking for any suggestions. I'm not looking to spend a ton of money, because in a year I'm relocating and will end up leaving this tank with a family member.
 
You can always go to home depot, get a 20 feet hose for 7 bucks (you can get a connector for 3 bucks and another 20 feet hose if your tank is more than 20 feet away).

You just a regular siphon (gravel vac) on one end, and the other end, you can put it in the sink/tub/toilet. (of course you have to get the hose the same diameter as the siphon)

To fill, you can buy another adapter that connects the tap to your hose and you can just use the same hose to fill. Of course keep in mind the temperature of the water,

I do try to use as little hot water as possible, but not so little that it shocks the fish.

Keep in mind that you must test your tap water first for pH and other parameters.

I put a pitcher with prime in it into the tank and place the hose into the pitcher so that the fresh water doesn't scatter around the tank as much.

Been doing it for years and the fish aren't complaining.

But of course, buying a large trash can to age the water with a thermometer in it is a better option. This is just my lazy way... :P

I used to keep Demasoni too. I keep the water a tad cooler than the tank during water changes and they were breeding like crazy... those aggressive little buggers... :)
 
yes, you're idea with the pump in a bucket is very reasonable . that is the way a lot of people mix saltwater before adding it to salt tanks. you mix the salt and water in a big barrel and let a pump take the water from the barrel to the tank. goodluck
 
I'm toying with the idea, just because I'd definitely do more WC, it's just a pain to do 10g at once, because the water gets so low that pouring it back in via water jug disrupts everything. Going to look for a cheap *** pump
 
I think your idea sounds reasonable. There are other water change devices beside the python, I bought an Aqueon water changer off of Amazon for $28, it works great.
 
Seems like you're overthinking it. The easiest and cheapest way to fill a tank is with a hose with a faucet adapter. If the hose won't reach, get a longer hose. If it still won't reach, get an even longer hose. I personally use a Y-adapter on the faucet with one end attached to the hose. I open the side that dumps to the sink to adjust the temperature, then close the dump valve and open the one to the hose. If your tank is very far away from the sink, there is the danger of the hose flopping on to the floor and flooding your house unnoticed. To prevent this, pick up a cheap spring clamp and use it to attach the hose to the rim of the tank while filling.
 
Essentially, I just want something I can dump water into, then have the water sent up to the tank. I "could" just do what I've been doing, but at the same time I'm also interested in making something do it for me.
 
i use 2 60 liter storage boxes to hold water in while i filter in through peat , i then drain water out of the tank with a hose straight out the back door , then i attach the hose to a 1000 lph maxi jet pump and let the pump do its job
 
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