Water changes in a small apartment

[jttt3]

I don't have a lot of room to store things out of the way. Actually, i have just about no storage room besides the cabinets in my kitchen, my closet (im a bachelor, its already packed in lol) and the cabinets under the sinks.

I'm keeping all my testing kits and other supplies for the tank in the stand itself, however now I need to consider water changes.

The only thing left that has me a bit aloof on is water changes. I know how much how often based on water quality. I've the the kits to test (bought the test tube and bottles, not the strips, and practiced lots to get accurate reads), I'm just wondering what the best way to do it is.

I know that I have to include the water conditioner and adjust the temp first before it goes in. I guess I could just use buckets and tubes, but I was wondering if anyone out there has a more elegant and potentially less messy ways?

I'm generally really good at engineering things, but when it comes to aqautics, I just don't do so well working with water lol. I generally make a big mess, even on the most simple stupid things. I'm clumsy. =\

I know I could go out looking for something, but was wondering what you guys do for your tanks?

thanks!

james tucker

[cocoa_pleco]

Definitely pythons. They hook up to your sink, and do all the work, including filling and emptying the tank. They are 30$-80$, depending on the hose length, but WELL worth it. Mine is great, and I can easily pull off 80% water changes

[A340]

As Cocoa mentioned, you could get a Python. Personally, I wouldn't invest in one unless I had a tank that's 55g or bigger. Also, you need a place to store them, depending on how big of a hose you need.

I use the old gravel vacum and bucket on my 3 x 10g and 29g. When you're done, you can easily store your vacum, test kits, water conditioners and what not in the bucket. Saves you a lot of room.

Just my .02 cents.

[Incredulous_Ed]

I use a bucket and it's a pain carrying around, but I don't have the money for a python, If you can afford it, get a python, or make your own.

[Gelo_USA]

I use a container for the water thts going in and buckets to remove water....and a smalll vaccum for the gravel
cocoa: do u put water straight from tap when u do water changes using the python and then add the dechlorinator? I was wondering cause I just didnt get a python because I dnt knw if I can fill the tank up straight from the sink and add the dechlorinator later.... I am talking about regular water changes with fish in and alll.....

[jttt3]

lol, I know that I won't be adding directly from the tap for sure. A python? What on earth is that (other than a constricting snake)?

I'm guessing I will just use syphon tubes to take water out, and put water in until I can find a better way of doing it.

I have to be careful with my filter system, it uses foam blocks that water seeps through into one champer with bio balls at the bottom and a water pump in a secondary chamber that pulls from the bottom of the first and shot back into the tank (gently). I was experimenting with reducing the water level and it hit hard on the area with the pump. Doing water cooling for computers in the past, I know that running a submersible water pump while dry is disaster. Not that I don't have another one handy just incase lol.

What kind of container do you use for your replacement water Gelo?

James

[hungryhound]

a python is a gravel vacum that attaches to your sink. When the valve is open to the sink, when you run water it sucks water out of your tank and into your sink.

The valve can also be turned to directly add water from your sink to your aquarium. You add your dechlorinator directly to the water.

Here is the product website.
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[Gelo_USA]

OOPPPPPSSSSSSSS...... one got wrong and everyone followed....
jttt3 is right its SIPHON PEoPLE LOL hahhahahahha I Knw something was wrong

EDIT:
OOOOOOOO PYTHON IS ALSO RIGHT Ok I m confused now lol

[Rue]

I use a bucket...even with the 55g I don't mind...

...with a 75g I might have to consider the Python...

[cocoa_pleco]

Gelo-

I just put the water in, then add the dechlorinator. It doesnt harm the fish to be in the straight tapwater for 10 minutes. Once, for a month, i used a product like cycle accidentally, thinking it was dechlorinator, and nothing happened.

[YaYgoldFish]

yeah ive put my fish in tap water for a a week or so and they all lived.

[xoolooxunny]

you can make a DIY python for around 15 bucks. all you need is a hose long enough and a waterbed fill/drain kit. i did it, but ditched all but the hose bc if i hang it off my deck it pulls water SUPER quick, and my basement sink has a threaded brass faucet that i can screw right in.

If you have a window or door thats easily accessible with a hose to your tank, you can siphon it right outside, and fill up from the sink. Don't be scared about added directly from the tap, adding conditioner while its filling is safe, everyone that uses a python does it!

[jttt3]

lol alright, I'll look into the python. I just know how much they do to the water here in Florida as my father use to work at waste and water plants.

I wonder if there is a slow automatic type way to go about it...hmmm....

Thanks all, I actually found a post about this another part of the forum, guess I didn't look hard enough.

Greatly appreciated as always =)

James

[Gelo_USA]

I will try doing that cause it would be way easyer for me and less time consuming.... I just need a python.... the one on the local pet shop is 80bucks
I would never pay 80 bucks for a plastic hose.....

[cocoa_pleco]

seattles wal-mart had them for 30$ with a 25FT hose

[octopus44]

I recently bought a python. It has made my life a hundred times easier! I hang mine on the wall with a clothes hanger that i have bent appropriately. So it takes up very little space. The only downside is that it wastes a lot of water unless you can run it to a hose outside.

You can get one for $25 here:

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[Lady Hobbs]

Mine hangs over my shower nozzle. I use it too much to bother putting it away.