Water Change?

[joeyg2100]

What is the best way to do a water change. I have a manual gravel vacum, and I was wondering what is the best way to get the water back in the tank. I would get it from an outside faucet but the water temp varies to much, and I think would cause to much of a shock to the fish. Should I just get the water out of the tap and get the temp as close as I can? Any info would help. Tell me how you all do a water change. I need help doing this. I am an newbie and I would hate to kill a fish. THanks

[RockabillyChick]

i use the tap and just adjust it until its as close to the tank temp as i can get it just by feel. or you can get a second thermometer to test the tap water temp until you get it right.

the best way to get it from the tap to the tank is a bucket....lol.

[mattskims]

depending on the amount of room in your house, and the size of your tank, the best way to change water is to put your change water in a bucket and let it age for a day or so. While its againg use a cheap small heater and to heat the water to your desired temp. This way, there will be no shock to the fish and you can treat your water.

[Raskolnikov]

To start off, I change about 75% of the water in my tanks weekly, sometimes more frequently (such as in growing out fry or young fish).

I fill a 55g barrel w/ tapwater. There is a water pump and a water heater in the barrel, as so:
http://tinypic.com/fntoat.jpg
I let the pump and heater run to gas off chlorine as well as bring the water temp to 2 deg F below my tank temperature. I age the water for 3-4 days this way. If I need to use it sooner, I use a dechloraminator such as PRIME, and if you have chloramines I suggest doing such everytime you age the water. You can test your aged water for pH and temperature to assure that it closely matches the tank water.
For water changes, I siphon the tank water into another barrel, which I then pump out the window or down the drain. I then hook up a hose to the circulating pump in my water aging barrel(s), and pump the clean water into my tanks, as so:
http://tinypic.com/fntqtl.jpg
http://tinypic.com/fntqw0.jpg

You asked for the best way to do water changes, and I believe that is it. I have the ability to match the changewater exactly to my tanks, and I never expose my fish to excessive temperature fluxiations or any chlorine. I can also do as many large water changes as I need to in case of an emergency b/c the parameters of the water in my tanks closely matches that of my changewater (with the exception of nitrogen levels).

[aquariumhobyist]

depending on the amount of room in your house, and the size of your tank, the best way to change water is to put your change water in a bucket and let it age for a day or so. While its againg use a cheap small heater and to heat the water to your desired temp. This way, there will be no shock to the fish and you can treat your water.
ok thats just too much work and silly.

[Roan Art]

Well, I use a manual syphon, a Python, and a 5 gallon bucket.

For my smaller tanks (under 20gallons) I use the gravel syphon and put the water in the 5 gallon bucket. When that bucket gets full or I need to empty it, I stick the Python in it and turn on the tap. I fill the really small tanks (2.5 and 6 gallons) from a clean bucket dechlorinated with Prime.

Anything larger is filled with the Python, straight from the tap. I run the water into a large bowl that has a thermometer in it and adjust until it's at the same temp as the tank I am filling. Then I fill (I have the water turned on low) and add Prime into the water stream.

For my 36g, I suck half my water change out with the Python, then I vacuum the rest with the gravel syphon into the bucket. The Python tube is a little large to get around the plants and stuff, so I use the manual one. Again, when the bucket is full I use the Python to empty it.

I haven't lugged a bucket of water over 1 gallon since I got the Python.

Roan

[phoenix]

ok thats just too much work and silly.

I do the same thing for my tanks except I don't have a neat adapter to fasten the hose to the tank while it refills. It is neither silly nor a lot of work; it is actually very easy and convenient.

[RTR]

I agree with Raskolnikov & phoenix. I also use storage vessels to age and temper and off-gas my water (usually chlorine-only, but I do test to confirm). It is not too much work, nor is it silly at all. It provides consistant, same-temp water to all of my tanks without useless chemicals or futile adjustments of the water, and helps ensure the stability of my tanks and the health and safety of my fish. Someday when you understand tank biology a bit more, perhaps you will come to understand water changes a bit better as well.

[kveeti]

except I don't have a neat adapter to fasten the hose to the tank while it refills.

LOL, I was thinking that when I saw the picture (i.e., "I gotta get me one of those!"). I do use a mini clamp because I learned very quickly the first time that just draping lots of hose into the tank (and relying on the tank lid to hold it) = water on the floor when the hose jumps out the minute you turn your back.

[anonapersona]

What is the best way to do a water change. I have a manual gravel vacum, and I was wondering what is the best way to get the water back in the tank. I would get it from an outside faucet but the water temp varies to much, and I think would cause to much of a shock to the fish. Should I just get the water out of the tap and get the temp as close as I can? Any info would help. Tell me how you all do a water change. I need help doing this. I am an newbie and I would hate to kill a fish. THanks

First, I want to know how much volume are we talking about here? A 10 gallon tank actually holds maybe 7 gallons of water, and so a 50% water change is 3 1/2 gallons. That is pretty easy to carry in a 5 gallon bucket without spilling. I'd get that from the bathtub, and get the temp correct using a thermometer until I got to where I could judge by hand. Add the dechlorinator to the bucket and gently pour into the tank, breaking the force with your free hand.

For larger volumes I use a length of 1/2" vinyl hose (bought from hardware store) with 1/2" garden hose mending type fittings on the end and an adapter to let me screw it to the sink faucet after I remove the aerator. I have a heater holder thing with suction cups that holds that in the tank as I refill. Total cost about $20 for 80' length which fills tanks all over the house from one sink. I store it in a 20 gallon bucket.

[jimangie1973]

Thanks for the ideas Raskolnikov. Where did you, or anyone else, get the 55 gallon barrel? Also, does an ordinary powerhead have enough power to pump water up 5 feet through 1/2 inch tubing?