What is the best method for a water change. Can I just run the hose into the house and fill up the tank and then dechlorinate it or should I dechlorinate it first. I have been dechlorinating it first in 5g buckets and then dumping the buckets into the tank. It moves my gravel and uncovers my plant roots. How can I avoid this?
What is the best method for a water change?
- Thread starter emergent
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Definately dechlorinate it first in a bucket. Let it mix for a little while before adding it to the tank too. The temperature also has to be equalized. If you're worried about your plant roots put a small dish or saucer onto the gravel floor and poor the water over that.emergent said:
What I do is after the water I want to remove is out, I add the dechlor to whats left and then just add water from my basement sink that is the same temperature. I have been doing this for 20 years now & no problems.
If you change out no more than 20% at a time, you can add the dechlorinator to the tank and then add the water straight to the tank. There shouldn't be enough chlorine to harm the fish that way. (unless you have really delecate fish.) I wouldn't run the hose from outside though because the water will be too cold. I have a hook up for my kitchen sink that I use so I can match the water temperature.
I don't know what the best way to do it is, but I siphone about 1/3 of the water. I then add te recommended dosage of Amquel, then i turn on the hose. After it's filled, i reapply the recommended dosage of Amquel and i add Novaqua.
The one concern i've always had was the temperature change. I keep my tanks at about 79 degrees, but right after the change, it's down to 71-72
The one concern i've always had was the temperature change. I keep my tanks at about 79 degrees, but right after the change, it's down to 71-72
I never wait and so dont a lot of people i asked. Some even add water and dechlor to the tank at the same time. No need to wait...
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HolyBull said:
How about using some hot water? I always put a themometer under the faucet to make sure it matches the temp in my tanks.
Everyone has a different method for changing water. I'll toss my own into the mix as well:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64022
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64022