Good Gravel Vacuum?

[Eve]

Is it safe?

You can put the water conditioner of youe choice in the tank before adding your new water.

Is it really safe to put the water conditioner in first? It would seem like the new water wouldn't necessarily be safe right away...the conditioner should be mixed with the water before it gets into the tank maybe?

 

[rrkss]

If you leave the filter running, the water conditioner will quickly be dispersed throughout the tank ready to react to any new chlorine entering the tank before it can really hurt the fish. One of the tricks I use is to put some extra conditioner into my tank during water changes so that I can just top off the tank without worrying about mixing any water. I have one of those big brita jugs and if the tank gets low I just pour the water into the tank. Have yet to lose a fish from this.

 

[Eve]

Thank you very much for all of your help, everyone!

I got a Python and it works great! I can't believe I messed around with buckets, pitchers, and the gravel filter I did for so long.

I decided on a Python, because I have wanted one (or at least something like it) since I got my fish. Plus most of you recommended it and it really seemed like the best choice. I tossed around the idea of getting the top fin gravel filter, but the python has it all. Plus it really didn't cost that much and it definitely is worth it.

 

[RTR]

I've had mine 18-19 years and it is still fine. The vacuum/venturi sink attachment is not the original though, and I do replace the hose gaskets periodically. As it is used almost every day and usually on multiple tanks per day, it comes out one of the cheaper tank support items that I have.