A few questions about going big 150 range

feederfish

feederfish

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Feb 7, 2009
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Mobile, AL
Okay, the more I look at tanks I am have trouble finding what I want in low 100s and thinking going 150 gallons, but I am now a bit concerned about the use of my Python.

Filling the tank for a 25% water change, won't I still have to use buckets (if even beside the tank)?

I have a nasty pH of 8.2-8.3 out of the faucet and planning to be around pH 6.8 in the tank. Plus, I always waited like 10 minuts for the dechlorinator to mix in the buckets when helping with a friends tank... though I guess some just add it before or after they add the water. It seems risky, but guess I need some good advice. I just want to know what I am getting into effort wise. Too bad I am not doing, African Cichlids... I bet they would be fine with that pH.
 
I also require tap water to be manipulated before it goes into the aquarium. I will outline what I do, one of many possible approaches. I start out by filling a trash bin with a cheap garden hose (no antifungal additives) hooked up in the bathroom with a quick disconnect fitting where the bath spigot used to be. I set the bin up next to the aquarium, inside it is a pump and some hose. I use the pump to agitate the water while the aquarium is being drained/vacuumed. To drain the aquarium I move the garden hose I had just used to fill the bin with. One end is hooked up to my gravel vacuum, the other end goes outside to water some plants. I have different gravel vacs that drain at different rates depending on the size of their hose, they all hook up to the garden hose with quick disconnect fittings. Once I'm done draining I use the pump and its hose to move water out of the bin and into the aquarium.
 
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What do you plan on keeping that requires the pH of 6.8?
 
I wouldn't be overly concerned about your ph, most fish will adjust to that ph especially if you buy locally. I keep lots of "soft" neutral to acidic water fish in liquid rock with a ph of 7.8-8.2. Are you wanting to keep discus? As far as water changes go, in my big tanks I drain the water outside with my python, and then just run the water hose inside, pretreat the aquarium with water conditioner and run the hose.
 
I think what he is saying is out of the tap the water is 8.2 and once aggitated there is a Ph drop down to 6.8. I have had this same problem when I was on a well. I just filled straight from the tap with the python. The python will create enough oxygenated water into the tank that by the time you fill the tank Ph will be in line. As long as the hardness is the same in both places I wouldn't worry too much about it. I would assume that you have very soft water even with a high Ph. That was my case I had a 8.2-8.4 Ph but very soft water. Check your KH and see what is going on. I don't think you are going to have a probblem just filling esp if you are only doing 25% changes at a time.
 
With or without changing the pH. Here's something that I do that could work for you.

Picture009.jpg


30 gal trash can.

I use an old pump to circulate while filling, and help the prime get everywhere quick.

And the smaller pump with the ridged tubing to transfer the water to the pond or to a 5 gal bucket to haul elsewhere.

Floating thermometer to get temp close.

Python running from kitchen sink, for filling bucket.

C-clamp to hold python for me.

=

Instruction's:

Attach Python to trash can. (Feel for a rib under the trash can lip. Line up C-clamp with it, with python hose already in C-clamp.)

Just snug it down enough to hold the hose. (Don't kill the trash can.)

Turn on water.

Turn on circulation pump.

Check temp around half full, and adjust.

Turn off water before it over flows.
If it over flows. Run to faucet pull down drain thingy on python. Run back to trash can. Undo C-clamp and use python on the floor, before anyone notices what happened. get towels etc. And blame the "small" mess on the pos python.

Add chlorine remover/stabilizer stuff. (1 cap full of prime).

Scratch your head and stare at your tank for 5 seconds.

Turn off circ. pump.

Turn on transfer pump.

Sit back and watch the tank fill.

Do Not over flow tank. I don't have any experience with that to help get out.

=

If you have an extra pump lying around that could pump it into your tank. And some tubing and stuff, you'd be set. :)

Happy WC'ing! :)
 
In response, I was refering to the tap water being 8.2-8.3. As far as fish I plan to keep, my main concern is loaches... polka-dot loachs aka angelicus loach (Botia Kobotai). The concern is botia kobotai can't take the higher pH and I don't won't to stress them yet alone kill them, even if just a 25% water change.

I hate the idea of filling directly and the Rubber Maid route (hahaha) seems to be my preference. =D Thanks for sharing too. Here I was thinking 5 gallon buckets and a pump, but using one big bucket is definately better.

I do like Discus too, but I think I have a challenging enough stocking for this first run of tank. Maybe the future. Either way, I am planning on 6.8-7 pH for the tank.

Love this forum!
 
I think you guys are putting way to much thought into PH, and dispersion of prime

there are some fish that require a specific PH (discus and Malawis to name a couple) but for the most part tropical fish will adjust accordingly.. especially if they come from a local store because chances are they use the same water as you.

also... as far as dispersing prime (or another dechlorinator) it instantly dispurses when added to water-- as long as you are adding the correct amount.. it shouldnt take more than 2-3 minutes to work (and a pump shouldnt be needed)

also you can add prime directly to the tank when filling... the dechlorinating agents WILL NOT bind to the already treated water-- it will only bind to water that containes chlorine/chloramine

that is how I do it and I have never had a problem.. I also keep many PH sensitive fish, and fish that others claim to have problems with

SMinNC im not saying that your bucket is a bad idea.. its acctually a cool contraption you have thought up.. im just saying that if the OP doesnt already have the parts laying around-- its not really necessary to go spend more money, when a traditional method will work accordingly
 
Stocking, since it came up...

Rev 3:

Cardinal Tetra (12 min)
Pearl Gourami (4-5)
Polka-dot Loach (Botia kubotai) (4-5)
Three-lined Pencilfish (4-5)
Red Wagtail Platy(3)
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid (pair)

Maybe list:
Other friendly Amazon Cichlids (Rams, Cockatoo)
Plec (Still a big maybe, L134 )
 
4-5 Yellow Lab cichlids might do well in that mix.. they are on the very peaceful end as far as africans go.. some even consider them a community fish
 
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