I have to confess...I really HATE doing water changes.

T

TeaPea

AC Members
Aug 26, 2002
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Brightwaters, NY
I got into the aquarium hobby last summer and with tons of help from this very forum I have an awesome 29Gallon and a 5 gallon. I love my tanks, get lots of enjoyement out of them, love the way they are the centerpiece of the rooms--they make me truly proud :) . In fact, I would love to get more tanks, if it weren't for those dreaded WATER CHANGES!

OK, the 5 gallon, I can't really complain about that...It's so small, plus it's on my kitchen counter--right near the sink! But the 29G---I always intend to do a water change every week but end up putting it off so it's only every 2, sometimes 3 weeks! :o I hate hauling those freaking 5 gallon buckets to and from the bathroom, splashing water all over as I go, breaking my back...I've heard some reccomend the Python....but I wonder if it really makes it that much easier or is setting it up just as much of a pain in the arse...

Anyway, it really baffles me, how do you guys with huge tanks,-- like 55G's and up--how do you stand all those water changes? You must be saints! And many of you have multiple large tanks to boot!
 
I really don't mind that much although it is taxing sometimes. I currently have two 120's, a 55 and a 40. The problem is I have to plan ahead. The ph coming out of tap is over 9, so I have to aerate the water for 24 hrs or so to get it down in the low 7's.
 
Dude get a Python, they rule. You take out the nozzle on the faucet (kitchen, bathroom.. doesn't matter) screw in a connector. Connect the hose to that. Put the other end of the hose in your tank. Turn the water on and switch a valve in the connector. pulls the water out of your tank... no buckets involved.

When you want to fill it back up you just switch the valve which changes the flow direction... pumps water right back in the tank. A few squirts of water conditioner (maybe a little fert if you have plants) and you're done.

I have one bucket and it's for storing the Python.
 
Originally posted by superjohnny
When you want to fill it back up you just switch the valve which changes the flow direction... pumps water right back in the tank. A few squirts of water conditioner (maybe a little fert if you have plants) and you're done.

I have one bucket and it's for storing the Python.
Click to expand...

So you have no problem with the temperature difference from the faucet or with the chlorine before you get the water conditioner in?

--Anthony
 
i have some rubbermaid 18 gallon totes. you can put about 7-8 gallons in it and haul it out without splashing any.

i just got a python but i am unclear on the siphon logic. in order to suck 40 gallons out of my 125 i have to send 40 gallons of good water straight down the drain? i think i'll just keep using the totes and use the python for filling only.

response to last post:

the temperature problem is set by hooking up the python to the kitchen sink. you can set the new water at whatever temp you want. filling with a garden hose from a coldwater tap is when you have temp problems..

and i've always heard you add the conditioner first and then put the new water in.
 
the water from the faucet is easily adjusted with thermometer in hand and as for the conditioner, just add it to the flow from the end of the python. It's definitely worth it. I'd rather deal with the task of setting up the python than hauling a million buckets back and forth.
 
Originally posted by andruboz
i just got a python but i am unclear on the siphon logic. in order to suck 40 gallons out of my 125 i have to send 40 gallons of good water straight down the drain? i think i'll just keep using the totes and use the python for filling only.
Click to expand...

I had this concern too, what I do though is I get the water to start flowing in the tube before attaching to the faucet (i.e. sucking at the faucet end of the tube until the water gets close enough to produce a good syphon, before it comes gushing in your face...ewww)

When that's done, I then attach it to the faucet for filling...
 
Water changes are kind of a pain but it gives you time to watch the fish more in depth to check for diseases and scratches and such. I currently have a 209G, 2 55's, 46, 30, 29, 20, 15, and a couple of 10s. It is great fun! The 209, 55, and 46 are all salt so have to pre-mix on those. I do use the Lees Gravel Vac to suck water out then use tubs to replace water. I use the gravel vac on the brackish and freshwater tanks and it is a life saver!
 
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