Filter During Water Changes

[RobGoldsmith]

Guys

When I am adding my water from my water change am I meant to:

a) Add the water with the filter in the tank, then add the chemicals when full (Does this let the chlorine get into the filter though?)
b) Remove the filter while I put the water in, add chemicals then put the filter back (Does being out the water kill the bacteria?)
c) Put the chemicals in each bucket of water before it goes in? (Doesnt this waste the chemicals?)

Thanks

Rob

 

[matt_storey]

What i do is take the fish out, turn the filter and heater off, take out 30%, add 30% of water at 26degrees, add the dechlorinator, then turn the filter and heater back on.

Check the temp, add the fish.

 

[lilfishie]

i turn the filter and heater off, take the water out, put fresh back in and dechlorinate as i go, once full switch everything back on.

i also re-fill with cold water

 

[matt_storey]

Just to add.... when you dechlorinate, you do it for the whole tank not just the water you add

 

[Tizer]

you take your fish out when you do a water change? what the hell ? way to stress them out unecessarily.

I drain out 40 litres, (240 litre tank) full up a 10 litre watering can with water that matches my tank temp (yes mixing hot and cold) then add dechlorinator which works instantly, bosh it in the tank. do another 3 watering cans. job done.

No you do not have to do it for the whole tank, only the water you put in. Why dechlorinate a whole tank that doesnt need it? Just a waste.

 

[KittyKat]

c) Put the chemicals in each bucket of water before it goes in? (Doesnt this waste the chemicals?)

No, this method requires the least amount of dechlorinator. The water is dechlorinated instantly

a) Add the water with the filter in the tank, then add the chemicals when full (Does this let the chlorine get into the filter though?)
b) Remove the filter while I put the water in, add chemicals then put the filter back (Does being out the water kill the bacteria?)

You need to dose the whole tank first, then add the water. You will need to have the filter off (and taps off, if it is an external) so that the chlorine/chloramine don't get to the filter media. If you use this method, you will need to use more than the recommended amount of dechlorinator because it will be (in overly simple terms) less concentrated if spread out throughout the whole tank. I would also recommend leaving the filter off for 5-10 minutes.

Generally, I find that for under 25%, using cold water does not cause any problems.

What i do is take the fish out...

Why do you put your fish through such a stressful experience?!?

 

[RobGoldsmith]

Ok so i will fill the bucket up and drip some in it then into the tank with the filter in the tank and turned off.

Thanks

 

[Tizer]

you dont have to turn the filter off, as said previously the dechlorinator works instantly, best practice is to put the dechlorinator into the bucket first, this mixes it up into the water as you add it. Bit like adding bubbles to your bath, you dont put in in after you have finished running the tap (common sense) by the time you get to your tank to splosh it in, its done its job. If you are uncertain about how quick it works, or dont believe the label, fill up a 25 litre jerry can (£7-8 from an aquatics shop) one night, dechlorinate it, leave it to stand over night then add it to the tank. Whatever you feel happy with really.