Water changes on a 125G Tank - Need some advice!

[H2O_Beasts]

I am getting ready to setup a new 125G freshwater tank .

This is the biggest tank I have owned (had a 55G prior to this) and I am not sure yet how to handle water changes. I used the 5G bucket method on my old 55G but don't think that will be very efficient on the 125G

I will be running 1 FX5 for filtration.

What would be the best way to do water changes? Would you recommend I purchase a python? If so, when would I add the water conditioner (dechlor)?

I have 1 Rena 200W heater. Would adding one more Fluval 200W heater be enough so I would have one heater on either side?

Any advice is appreciated!

 

[lp85253]

2 heaters that size =fine .as far as water changes I use the bucket method, but a python (tho expensive)saves work.GOOD LUCK ps add dechclor as soon as you get water in the tank.let the dechlor work for a couple of minutes then turn on any seeded filters you have on the tank ,any unseeded filters can be turned on before or after dechlor , my advise is to usePRIME for dechlor on aNEW tank , it detoxes amonia and nitrites.

 

[gary grice]

I do 60% water changes on my 125 and 55 every sunday with a bucket, really not very time consuming, bout 15 min to get the water out and a half hr to fill it back up, its a good way to spend sunday watching football, I add dechlor to each individual bucket as I fill the tank back up

 

[H2O_Beasts]

I do 60% water changes on my 125 and 55 every sunday with a bucket, really not very time consuming, bout 15 min to get the water out and a half hr to fill it back up, its a good way to spend sunday watching football, I add dechlor to each individual bucket as I fill the tank back up

Thanks, that is exactly what I did on my 55Gallon. I might look into getting a python to make it a little quicker.

 

[H2O_Beasts]

2 heaters that size =fine .as far as water changes I use the bucket method, but a python (tho expensive)saves work.GOOD LUCK ps add dechclor as soon as you get water in the tank.let the dechlor work for a couple of minutes then turn on any seeded filters you have on the tank ,any unseeded filters can be turned on before or after dechlor , my advise is to usePRIME for dechlor on aNEW tank , it detoxes amonia and nitrites.

Thanks for the tip on the dechlor! What heater do you think I should go with?

 

[tcup]

Python is totally worth the price. I used to clean my 125 with buckets (barrel actually) until a friend turned me on to the python. i have one for every tank now

 

[ScatMan]

i siphon 50% of the water out my window with a piece of 1" hose (1" hose drains it SUPER fast) every weekend.

add prime to the tank water (<-no need to dechlorinate if you have well water because well water doesn't have chlorine) and refill. i have a hose hooked up to my utility sink for refilling. takes me way longer to fill than it does to drain. make sure the water going in is very close or = temp as water in the tank to avoid shocking the inhabitants.

i have a python too but i never use it because my setup is easier and faster, ymmv.

 

[WeeNe858]

You can siphon out the water, add declor to your tank for the amount you took out, and add water to your tank. I reccommend doing a chlorine test before to see if your municipal water is high in chlorine. It might not work too well for you if it is.


When I had my 125, I was able to remove and add simultaneously because my city water never had chlorine in it unless itwas raining. Who does water changes when it rains anyways?

 

[Jc1119]

Python is by far the easiest way. I have mine setup to attach to one bathroom faucet and I just move it from tank to tank.

Prime is good stuff but Safe is more cost effective. Same thing in a powdered form. 1kilo costs about0 30-35 shipped and will last me about 15 years on 500 gallons running right now. Somewhere around $2-3 per year for water changes

 

[H2O_Beasts]

Thanks for all the great feedback. I think I will list the 50ft python on my Christmas list!

Can anyone recommend a nice reliable 200W or 300W fully submersible heater?