View Full Version : Options for easy water changes
tranceFusion
11-27-2007, 11:35 AM
How can I siphon my water more easily? I have a hand bulb pump but its still a pain - the bucket still needs to be at the right level, etc. I just want to walk up to the tank and start siphoning water.
I saw a siphon that hooks to the sink, but it seems like there is no way to dechlorinate the water before adding it?
Are there any types of electric pumps?
ronw007
11-27-2007, 11:42 AM
You can use a Phyton, hook it to the sink, turn on the water and you are ready to siphon. I dose with Prime as the new water is going into the tank. This is the easiest method I have found for tank maintenance. I've been doing this method for years.
tranceFusion
11-27-2007, 12:12 PM
so you add prime right to the tank?
I am currently using only dechlorinator.. what all does prime have in it?
Squawkbert
11-27-2007, 12:43 PM
Check the SeaChem website for exhaustive details - in short, Prime removes Cl and all bad Nitrogenous compounds. It is pretty concentrated - 2 drops per gallon, 1mL/10gallons. You can also overdose it safely to help ameliorate the effects of an ammonia, nitrite or nitrate spike.
What most Python owners do is use the Python and tap to start their siphon, then shut off tapwater (if sink drain is lower than desired water line in tank), vac gravel/drain until the desired level is reached. Then they add enough Prime to treat the entire volume of the tank and use the Python to put tapwater (of the appropriate temp.) back intot he tank.
StereoKills
11-27-2007, 10:12 PM
Just got a Python (or Phython :) sorry ron, couldn't resist!) and it makes wc waaaaaay easier!
Buckdog
11-27-2007, 11:54 PM
I was using an old fountain pump with a garden hose fitting on it. Drained my tank in no time. I put a small blue paint dot on the edge glass for the 25-30% mark so I didnt have to guess every time. Worked pretty good.
Now I gravel vac down to the dot, drain out to the front lawn. I put the fountain pump in a large container in the bathtub and run a hose and PVC pipe to the tank. Prime goes in as the water runs. Even have a waterproof switch on the pump cord. Works great.
Do whatever works for you.