Water changes....

[dskrpncs]

Please share your techniques for water changes. I am starting a 55 gallon cichlid tank and my neighbor is getting out of the hobby and is giving me his 120 + all filtration, heaters, etc. I want to get one of those auto siphons that hooks up to the sink for easy cleaning.

I dont understand how you can de-chlorinate the water while it is being added. Do you guys just add the new water and then add the de-chlorinator?

Thanks

 

[BlackShark11k]

Get a python. Most people just drip the dechlor in while the tank is being refilled OR add it in after the tank is filled. The chemicals present in most peoples' water aren't really as toxic as most manufacturers want you to think.

 

[kdrun76]

Add the dechlorinator then the water.

Pythons are really easy to build and can be built for less than 1/2 of what they cost to buy. Let me know if you want the link.

 

[broken]

Man, why cant i come across any deals like that?
Do like blackshark said and get a python and add dechlorinator as you add new water.
or just build you a python.

 

[BushFishRox]

I always add the dechlorinator before I start to fill the tank.

 

[Kerbins]

I always add before I start to fill, and just for good measure add a lil more after

 

[dskrpncs]

so how do you match the water temp when adding new water? just watch the thermostat and keep it within a degree or 2 as you are adding water?

 

[megalops///]

so how do you match the water temp when adding new water? just watch the thermostat and keep it within a degree or 2 as you are adding water?

It just has to be close, not right on. Since I keep my Datnoide tank at 80-81 degrees, I usually fill it with water thats just a tad warmer. Also, I add one cap full of prime right before I start to add water back into the tank, and then one right after its done. The tank is 125g's. And IDK what I'd do without my python...

 

[KAWAMIKIE]

I have city water. I use the python to refill and gravity to drain. The tank will drain faster with gravity than trying to lift the water up to the sink and your not wasting water keeping the suction running. I set my fill temp by hand and watch the thermometer and add Prime while the tank is filling.

I know a guy who breeds Discus, he fills a large trash can with water, adds Prime, and puts a heater and airstone and will leave it sit for two days before pumping it into his tanks.