How do you NOT make a mess?

[glittergirl]

Sorry for such a basic question, but has anyone any ideas how not to get water everywhere while doing water changes???
I have a syphon kit which takes out the water very efficiently, but how do you get clean water back into the tank? I tried to use the syphon, but was told 'water won't go uphill!' Then I stood on a chair with my bucket of water above the tank, but that didn't work either. In the end I just used a jug, but it's still messy and the water runs down the outside of the tank and all over the carpet.... :mad: Any ideas on this one?

[Anaxus]

I got a python, best 30 bucks I ever spent

[glittergirl]

Sorry to be so dim, what's a python?

[ChilDawg]

It's a water change device that hooks directly into the faucet. I believe that that would be about your best bet, as I usually make a mess when syphoning as well.

[OrionGirl]

I use buckets, and pour the water in. Only use a siphon from the bucket for the newts--smaller tank, needs less water, top of the tank is even with my chin--I don't want to hold the bucket above my head that long. I have found that practice helps. When I first setup my 20, I had to be careful not to pour the water in some areas, and I spilled a lot of water. 6 months later, I very seldom miss the mark.

[Anaxus]

Sorry, like dawg said a python is a gravel vacum that hooks to a water faucet and drains and fils the tank for you. Just have to add chlorine/chlormine remove and your set. Really simple and quick.
Here is a link to it at petsmart
http://www.petsmart.com/fish/shopping/gravel%5Fvacuums/products/product%5F730.shtml

[superjohnny]

Sorry to steal bandwidth from petsmart, but LOOK HOW DARN HAPPY THIS GUYS IS!!

http://www.petsmart.com/images/product/large/v601141.jpg

YOU COULD BE THIS HAPPY!

LOL :D

[kveeti]

Happy, yes. He looks like Mr. Rogers's son, complete with blue cartigan (ok, I know it's a jacket)... but can't you just hear him singing, "It's a bee-you-tiful day in the aquarium..."

Oh, glittergirl, actually it's a very good question. Maybe I'm just clutsy. I certainly don't make a mess like I used to, but I have just one word of advice - towels. Line the floor, around the tank, over your shoulder, with towels. I have a whole whack of old ones that are not fit for the bath any more, and not bad enough yet for rags.

[ChilDawg]

Now if he would just sprinkle a can of fish food over the tank surface! :)

[mickey]

That python sure looks a nifty piece of work i wish we could get them over here.
It's no wonder that guy looks like the cat that got the cream.
Cheers.

[Cearbhaill]

I set up my changing water the day before in a large garbage can next to the tank with aeration. I spread a quilt under it. Then I siphon and gravel vac out the window- could easily be to a bathtub or with a python. I have fancy schmancy faucets that don't accept adaptors and I need the water in the garden anyway.
Then I pump the new water in with a small pump.

The whole process takes about an hour, and if you are careful there can be next to no drips. The siphon hose, gravel vac, pump are all stored in the same garbage can, which is right next to the tank while cleaning, then goes back in its closet.

Just get in the habit of carrying a towel tucked in your belt- when I drag a hose indoors to fill up my garbage can I wrap the nozzle with my towel- same going back out. I have ceramic tile everywhere and one water drip combined with bare feet can send you on a header.

It's just a matter of getting into the habit, staying organized and planning ahead. The more often you do it the easier it becomes.

[glittergirl]

:D :D :D
Hey, thanks guys!!!
Special thanks to superjohnny for the pic! Now I know exactly what to look for!?!

[thom336]

Originally posted by glittergirl
Sorry to be so dim, what's a python?

Hey, you got more guts than me lass! I just used to nod and smile every time someone mentioned a python on here up until now as I had no idea what one was...but now I know! I owe you due thanks for asking the question I was always too scared to ask! lol.

I use a watering can, with the flow directed at a plastic plate floating on the surface of the water so as not to disturb the tank - its quick and easy.

Thom.

[superjohnny]

To all you people who don't have one yet, get a Python. They make water changes SO much easier. So head over to Petco.com, bigalsonline.com or petsmart.com and order you one.

BTW I've ordered from Petco.com and got unusually good service. I didn't expect much, but they sent emails notifying me of my order and when it shipped. I ordered an Eclipse system 6 and the tank was scratched when I got it, but a local Petco returned it with no hassle. I was very pleased.

[thom336]

Im English m8...

[OrionGirl]

I don't want a python. They waste water, and are not the end all be all to fish keeping.

[Anaxus]

OrionGirl once you get the syphon going you can turn off the faucet and the syphon will still drain the tank. This saves alot of water. So really it probably only waste a gallon at most if you do it like this. The syphon without running water is about as strong as the syphon with a normal vacum tube.
The good thing about it is not that it drains the tank but it saves all the effort of having to haul buckets full of water to the tank.
But really go with what you are more comfortable with :)

[superjohnny]

Originally posted by thom336
Im English m8...

Bummer dude, I feel for ya. :p

They got the same stuff over there that we have here right? Does BigAls ship over seas? I hear this is the same thing as is used to fill waterbeds. Do you have any waterbed stores nearby? Might want to check that out.

Oniongirl if you've had the back problems I've had, you look for other options to carrying buckets. There were times I could not physically carry them which made water changes un-doable. With a Python, no matter how fubar my back is, I can still change the water. To me it's a perfect fit.

[Vagabond]

Concerning water changes.

I use buckets as well... (but I currently only have a 10gal tank). And can offer two pieces of advice:

1 Carry a towel.

2 the more you do it, the better you get.

[thom336]

What on earths a 'waterbed'?

[Vagabond]

Perhaps its an American thing. I've spent some time in the UK and dont recall ever seeing a waterbed.

A waterbed is a bed that has a mattress that is actually a rubber membrane filled with water. It has a heating pad underneath the mattress that heats the water. Kinda like a fishtank you can sleep on! (minus the fish)

[thom336]

Hmm..maybe I should go ask my neighbours if I can inspect their beds to see if anyone has one...lol.

[superjohnny]

That's so strange to me that you've never heard of a water-bed before. I think they were more popular 20 years ago, but you still see them around. I used to have a HUGE one and it was awesome. They're really quite comfortable because you can adjust the water temperature to where you don't need plankets. After you get used to them a bit, they're really nice cause with every movement there is a little rocking back & forth. :D

Family forum. Keep it on topic, please.

[thom336]

Ah, before my time then. lol.

[AikidoGuy]

python! best money ever spent for any fish tank related supply!!



woohoo 2000posts! THAT ONLY TOOK 2 YEARS!

[glittergirl]

Well done AikidoGuy, for 2000 posts! I've got a way to go yet.

Just an update, I'm still struggling with syphoning out the water from the tank and getting clean water back in with a jug. I've got into a kind of rhythm with it, so it's not too bad. I'm English as well as Thom, and I have looked around different stockists for a python, but not seen any in evidence. I'm not sure why they don't sell them over here.

Thanks for all the replies :)

[Tetratastic]

Originally posted by Vagabond
Concerning water changes.

I use buckets as well... (but I currently only have a 10gal tank). And can offer two pieces of advice:

1 Carry a towel.

2 the more you do it, the better you get.

I agree with this totally (I also don't have anything bigger than 10gal). I like the bucket method because I use the 'fish water' to water my house plants... nothing like a little natural fertilizer, plus I'm saving water!

I also have a siphon, but didn't like it as much as the bucket method (but that may be the habit of using that method for years and years now).

[glittergirl]

Actually, I put the water from the tank on my plants too, sometimes on the houseplants and sometimes in the garden! Great minds think alike 1 :) To be honest tho, it was a suggestion from a book I read. Still, I remembered to do it. I've read so much in the last couple of months, I can barely remember a fraction of it.

[kreblak]

Thom336,
A waterbed is a bed that has a water filled balloon for a matress. Think of it as a giant hot water bottle with a duvet. I can't believe I just used the word "duvet" in an aquaria forum, but oh well. Waterbeds are bulky, heavy, MURDER on your back, and heaven help you if they spring a leak. For some reason many people find them desireable.

[Fedorov]

I just use a plain old garden hose to fill and empty my water . I have both my tanks (55 & 72 gallon) in my basement , what I do is hook up a gravel cleaner thing to my hose and siphon the water into my floor drain . Then I hook it up to my sink and fill it back up . No lifting or carring buckets , just a hose .

[glittergirl]

Good idea Fedorov,
What about the temperature of the water you put back in the tank? Isn't it a bit cold? You must condition the water afterwards then?

[Fedorov]

I try to keep the temp about the same as the tank water , warm to the touch and I do not use conditioners . I have been doing this for about 3 years and have not lost yet .

[thom336]

The only probs I find with a garden hose is (a) - you cant turn it off aquaria end, or (b) you have a spray end, which you can turn off, but it either goes everywhere or creates tidal waves! Maybe there are different attachments.

But I have found out where you can buy a python in UK- so glittergirl goto www.animal-house.co.uk, click on 'buyers guides' and order one. The python is in the aquarium catalogue. Animal house is the best mail order in the UK - I have used them many times. The python costs £29.99 for a 25', and £49.99 for a 50' - and if you spend £30 or more you get free delivery.

But I think I'll stick to the watering can for now - if it aint broke, why try and fix it?

[Cloud-9]

The Python certainly can make life easier.

The problem with using a garden hose is that typically, they're quite heavy and stiff. The brass fittings on the typical hose can crack the glass on a small tank if you're not careful. But if you don't mind starting the siphon yourself, then this is certainly workable.

Or you can go to the hardware store, buy a hose similar to the clear plastic one on the Python, put it together with plastic fittings and you're good to go. Again, you have to start the siphon.

The thing about the Python is the faucet pump. The water flow from your faucet to the bottom of the pump is what starts the siphon. If the sink is on the same height as the tank, then you have to keep the faucet running to maintain the suction. If not, then you can turn off the faucet as soon as the siphon starts, to save water. To fill, just lift the bottom of the faucet pump and the water flows from the faucet to the tank.

[thom336]

Now in defence of hoses, mines a very lightweight hose and all the fittings are plastic, except the bit that fits it to the mixer tap - but then that would be nowhere near the tank, and it is only a small, flexible aluminium tie bit. But, that said, I still wouldnt use a hose - thats not saying its no good, Im sure it works great, its just not for me.

[Cearbhaill]

The only probs I find with a garden hose is (a) - you cant turn it off aquaria end, or (b) you have a spray end, which you can turn off, but it either goes everywhere or creates tidal waves! Maybe there are different attachments.
Tons of attachments.
All of my garden hoses have brass shut off valves right behind whichever nozzle is in use- wouldn't have a hose without one. One flick of your thumb and it's off.
As far as banging the glass with brass- just don't :eek:

I bought a Python after reading the glowing recommendations- but found that it complicated an otherwise simple process- siphon out/hose in. I have long since cut up the Python for the tubing.