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View Full Version : Water Changes - Proper Technique


Awesome Guy
10-10-2003, 12:32 PM
I haven't noticed a thread on this before.

I have had fish in the past, but I wasn't informed on doing water changes when I had them. (I am only 21) I had fish last when I was 14, basically set up a tank, let is stand for a couple of days, and off I went and picked up a few pairs of guppies. They flourished for 3 years. The had fin rot after about 1.5 years, and I treated it successfully.

Anyway I am moving into a new house, and I am planning on setting up a new tank. Much bigger than the 10 Gal I had in highschool.

Could someone please instruct me how to do a proper water change, or direct me to somewhere for how to do a proper water change. I ask, only becuase I want a bit bigger, and nastier fish than a guppy.

Thanks

A.G.
OrionGirl
10-10-2003, 12:41 PM
I'm moving this over to the Newbies section, where you can also find a lot of good information on cycling the tank, an essential aspect of successful tanks.

For water changes--there are several standards which can be refined for a specific setup. Testing for nitrates and doing water changes to kepp them below a certain level is best for non-planted tanks. For planted tanks (where the nitrates are used by the plants) water changes can be done when other factors change--fish behavior and plant growth being common ones.

Or, you can take a pro-active stance, and do water changes on a regular schedule, with emergency changes for sudden changes or problems. I personally do water changes every week on all my tanks.
Awesome Guy
10-10-2003, 1:50 PM
but do you siphon the tank while adding new water? or siphon the tank, and then add water?
Slappy*McFish
10-10-2003, 1:59 PM
When you are siphoning the tank you are removing old water..after you have siphoned off about 20-30% of the tank's water, you add your clean replacement water.
RTR
10-10-2003, 3:56 PM
http://www.aaquaria.com/aquasource/changes.shtml

http://www.tomgriffin.com/aquasource/siphon.shtml

HTH
Slappy*McFish
10-10-2003, 4:27 PM
Entertaining articles, Robert.
RTR
10-10-2003, 5:54 PM
Thanks, Slappy - I don't do much for novices, but it amazed me how many flok do not understand either siphoning or water changing, so I had to do something.
Bittabit
10-10-2003, 11:27 PM
I like his style of writing, but my gravel cleaner also siphons and you don't need to put your mouth on anything! Just give her a few shakes and away she goes...ahhhhh technology!
anonapersona
10-11-2003, 7:09 AM
Originally posted by Bittabit
I like his style of writing, but my gravel cleaner also siphons and you don't need to put your mouth on anything! Just give her a few shakes and away she goes...ahhhhh technology!

Give her a few shakes??