Water changes

**Limming** · 12-28-2012, 07:28 PM

I have a 20 gallon tall that is partially stocked (finally). How should I refill the tank after a water change? It seems like just dumping it in would be bad for the fish but I'm not sure how else to do it. I'm using a 5 gallon bucket right now and can't get a water changer that hooks up to a sink.

**mojosodope** · 12-28-2012, 07:44 PM

Fill the bucket, age the water, add Prime for declorination, heat to same temp as tank if using heaters, enjoy.

**Limming** · 12-28-2012, 07:53 PM

I got that but as far as adding the water to the tank is straight dumping it in a good method?

**Shidohari** · 12-28-2012, 07:56 PM

find a place in your tank that is kinda sheltered. I have a 'rock' cave decoration in my tank. all it has is a fake plant behind it, so when i'm refilling the water i try to dump it in a steady stream on that. that way there's less of a chance i hit a oto cat when i'm filling the tank.

**mojosodope** · 12-28-2012, 07:57 PM

You can pour it in slowly as not to stir up the gravel or whatever substrate you have, once the temp is close and the water is aged you're good to go. Alternatively you can siphon the water from the bucket to the tank.

**Limming** · 12-28-2012, 08:13 PM

What is a good way to match temp?

**Cermet** · 12-28-2012, 08:20 PM

A therometer - seriously, just use a therometer and adjust the water in bucket using some very hot or cold water.

**Limming** · 12-28-2012, 08:22 PM

Originally Posted by Cermet

A therometer - seriously, just use a therometer and adjust the water in bucket using some very hot or cold water.

Was hoping for another way lol but the little extra work well be worth it to have the right temp.

**mollybegood** · 12-29-2012, 03:51 AM

I got a battery powered siphon at rural king.(was advertised water or kerosene) I run tap water into a container in the sink. (add conditioner to this container) I monitor temperature with thermometer. Now I pump from this container,with the battery powered siphon, to my five gallon jug that, I will pour into the tank.(Molly's 29 gl tall, not before I check for proper temp) By holding the thermometer under the running tap water can adjust temp on the fly.This system has worked well for me for four weeks. P.S. I always try to make sure that the water going in the aq has been agitated enough so that I am getting a good temp reading. Molly's Dad shrimp (was inspired by someone in this forum)

**Lady Hobbs** · 12-29-2012, 04:38 AM

You do not need to age your water. Just fill your bucket up with the proper temp for the tank, add your dechlorinator to the tank first (or to the bucket) and dump it in the tank.