Questions about water chages.

[classic-chassis]

I plan to have a 280gallon tank with a glass sump filter to keep Aro, i don't think the type of question is specific to the fish though.

Currently i have a few 20 gal tanks, one with mini red parrots in and one with a flower horn in.
I use aged water from a ceramic pot, which I treat wth water conditioner before I change. I do a 50% cycle every 2 weeks and usually 100% once a monthish. I never tested the water with meters, and my fish are happy and getting bigger.
This process is simple because i have a holding tank outside my house to age water and i use 5 gallon buckets to transfer water. Easy peasy!

However before I set up a big tank i want to know what i need to do regarding water changes.
I tought about the same system i have now but on a bigger scale, locked dump tank 150gal plastic outside the house (near where tank will be in the house) hose, pump. Siphon out, pump back in pre treated water through the sump filter.

Another poster has said straight from the tap and treat the water as you're doing it, but i need a bit more than that, as in how do you do that exactly?
Where do you put the tap water in and how do you know if you're putting enough conditioner in as you fill the tank.

finally, if I have room and resorces to have a dump tank (for lack of a better phrase) out side my house to "age" water and treat it in before i cycle would this not be a better method and safer for the fish?

 

[classic-chassis]

21 views, someone must be able to tell me the secrets!

 

[BushFishRox]

for the tap to tank you will want something like this, http://www.pythonproducts.com/aqprod.html.

as for conditioner just add the proper amount (directions on bottle of specific brand) directly to the tank, then begin filling. that is what I do and I have no problems with my fish.

 

[ziggy2]

I agree with the above except I add the conditioner as I fill it back up. Put in some conditioner put in some water, put in some conditioner, put in some water.

 

[Dr Joe]

Your correct in your assumption that using a water storage tank to pre-treat the water prior to introduction to the aquarium is the best way to do things.

Doing it this way will give you healthier, less stressed fish.

Adding dechlor while or after adding chlorinated water to the tank allows the chlorinated water to pass thru the gills and over the 'skin' of the fish before the dechlor has a chance to work, and causing damage along the way.

Have you viewed this thread http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132249 ?

Dr Joe

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[brianp]

Your correct in your assumption that using a water storage tank to pre-treat the water prior to introduction to the aquarium is the best way to do things.

Doing it this way will give you healthier, less stressed fish.

Adding dechlor while or after adding chlorinated water to the tank allows the chlorinated water to pass thru the gills and over the 'skin' of the fish before the dechlor has a chance to work, and causing damage along the way.

Have you viewed this thread http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132249 ?

Dr Joe

.

I am in complete agreement with these comments. For your tank, get a 95 gallon thick-walled rubbish container. Fill it at least one day ahead of the wc and dechlorinate. I have a pump and heater in my reservoir to circulate and heat the water to bring it up to spec. You can always store the container outside when not in use.

 

[classic-chassis]

^I thank thee, I thank thee.
Thanks for the link Dr. Joe, and I did read in to the thread a little at an earlier stage which is one of the reasons I keep bumping. I may not be a long standing member, but I’ve read a lot and most big tank owners seem to change pretty regularly, I whant to know the best and safest way, after all I’m going to get a 280 gallon tank and set up, green Asia Aros are cheep here, I might put a few in, or I might stock with other fish as well as one Aro. What I do not want to do is kill any large fish 3 or 4 yreas down the line.
Basically I can buy a ice / storage tub the size of a small car for a very small amount, they are already plumbed at the bottom for damage, I can sit it outside the window near where I plan to have my tank. Fill and treat as and when required.
As I said I do that already but on a much smaller scale because same as all fish hobbiests, I’ve lost fish in the past due to stupid error and lack of knowledge.
I HATE LOSING FISH BECAUSE OF MY ERROR especially when I do water changes.

 

[Dr Joe]

I trust you meant drainage and not damaged.

Just a thought...How's your rainwater there? To acid or polluted?

Green aros are cheap huh, can you put a couple in an envelope for me? I'll pay for the stamp .....

Dr Joe

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[classic-chassis]

yes, drainage.
regarding cheap, i need to look into it. They sell them as dragon fish (obviously in Thai language). Having looked at a few in local shops I think they call Jardini the same name.
Jardini are about $10 for 7in. not sure about greens just yet.