Treat Tank volume or added Water volume?

[johnnymax]

I am sure this question as been asked. I did look for it.
When doing water changes, I have always lowered my tank level then added water with a five gallon bucket.
I would treat the water in the bucket, five gallons at a time, then add it to the tank.
Now that I have an aquarium larger than 20 gallons I have to pack a lot of water (4 to 6 full buckets).
I want to connect a hose to the kitchen faucet, adjust the temp and go straight into the tank.

QUESTIONS:
1. Is it safe to add water straight from the tap if I add the chemicals first? (My water has chlorine only, no chloramines)
2. Do I add enough chemicals to treat the water amount I am adding, or the full tank volume.

I ask, because the directions do not state.
I would assume it is the amount for the water added, but I do not want to end up with a fish kill...

 

[Rocksor]

If you pre-treat the water in a different container, you can treat for the amount of water in the bucket.

If you add water directly into the tank, make sure to add enough conditioner for the total tank volume before finishing refilling (add in the same spot as the refill). You can add 50% of the dosage near the entry point in the beginning and then another 50% of the dosage before the tank is 80% full. It's all about making sure the water is treated as fast as possible. The more water conditioner you have in the tank, the quicker the treatment. It would be best to know how much chlorine is in your tap water (check water report), and you can gauge the right amount of water conditioner you need more accurately.

Since you only have chlorine, you can use sodium thiosulfate and buy a bulk. It's even cheaper than Seachem Safe.

 

[The Morning]

I would also advise that you test the tap water fairly regularly. I fell into the habit of “knowing” my tap water and failed to treat properly when those parameters changed. Lost several fish as a result. Took the advice I received here and switched from one water conditioner to prime.

 

[fishhead0103666]

You could do what I’m doing and using a trash can to mix the water in. I have a 45 gallon brute trash can which are the best option for me since the price increases a lot if you go upto the 55 gallons. They make 20 gallons, 35 gallons, and more.

 

[johnnymax]

You could do what I’m doing and using a trash can to mix the water in. I have a 45 gallon brute trash can which are the best option for me since the price increases a lot if you go upto the 55 gallons. They make 20 gallons, 35 gallons, and more.

I actually have several 55 gallon plastic barrels. I could fill it full treat it and use it until it gets low, then refill it and treat it again.
I was thinking about how to make the chore as simple and painless of a procedure as possible.

I really want to fill it from the outside faucet, but I cannot control the water temp unless I connect it to the kitchen sink.
I am looking to get a quick connect to the kitchen sink and add an inline thermometer to the hose.
I would run the water through the hose into the sink until the temp is equal to my tank.
I will have a valve on the end of the hose, so I can turn it off without altering the sink's valve adjustments.
Then I will put the end of the hose in the tank and open the valve.
When full, close the valve on the end of the hose, walk back to the sink.
Close sink faucet valves, release the pressure on hose, undo the quick connect.
Then, coil hose and put in utility room until the next weekend.

.....Since you only have chlorine, you can use sodium thiosulfate and buy a bulk. It's even cheaper than Seachem Safe.

I need to check into that thiosulfat!
Sodium Thiosulfate Pentahydrate Na2O3S2 – Dechlorinator for Pool, Pond - 5 Lbs $18.95

I would also advise that you test the tap water fairly regularly. I fell into the habit of “knowing” my tap water and failed to treat properly when those parameters changed. Lost several fish as a result. Took the advice I received here and switched from one water conditioner to prime.

Tanks, I have a nice complete water test kit arriving from Amazon tomorrow. I am getting my ducks in a row.
I have had aquariums since the early 70's now I am finally trying to do it right. Trying to and loving it.

 

[Rocksor]

I actually have several 55 gallon plastic barrels. I could fill it full treat it and use it until it gets low, then refill it and treat it again.
I was thinking about how to make the chore as simple and painless of a procedure as possible.

I really want to fill it from the outside faucet, but I cannot control the water temp unless I connect it to the kitchen sink.
I am looking to get a quick connect to the kitchen sink and add an inline thermometer to the hose.
I would run the water through the hose into the sink until the temp is equal to my tank.
I will have a valve on the end of the hose, so I can turn it off without altering the sink's valve adjustments.
Then I will put the end of the hose in the tank and open the valve.
When full, close the valve on the end of the hose, walk back to the sink.
Close sink faucet valves, release the pressure on hose, undo the quick connect.
Then, coil hose and put in utility room until the next weekend.

Be careful with the quick disconnects like the Python or Aqueon, I've known some folks that upon closing the shutoff valve during refill, the plastic quick connect on the faucet would become undone, and water would spray all over the kitchen.