Refilling Straight From Tap?

CezzaXV · Feb 1, 2012

Hey everyone,

I've finally got around to making my own python-esque water change system and had my first successful test run today (I plan on making a picture tutorial for other people soon!). Yay! No more buckets!

Just wanted to check - I do a massive overdose of dechlorinator BEFORE adding the tap water, right? i.e. not during or after. Also, is it acceptable to put water back in at a normal rate, or do I need to trickle it in?

soybean · Feb 1, 2012

I've often thought about this for if/when I get something like this - I think I'd measure out how much dechlor I wanted to use, add about half, Start filling and trickle the rest in gradually.

doresy · Feb 1, 2012

To 'massively' overdose with dechlorinator is just a waste of money! Yes, it is best to pop in a little more just to be on the safe side but let's not over do it!

One thing to remember is though, if you are adding water straight from the tap then the dosage of dechlorinator should be for the whole capacity of the tank. However if you use 25 litre containers of temperature controlled, dechlorinated water (as I do) then the dosage needs to be just for each lot of water you are adding.

In your case I would have the amount of dechlorinator required for the whole tank ready and trickle it in as you fill (obviously with the filter switched off) Also, if just cold water connected I would trickle it in during the winter months to prvent temperature shock.

Mikaila31 · Feb 1, 2012

I fill straight from the tap and I add just enough dechlor to treat the water I am adding. I usually do 50% so on my 55gallon I add enough to treat 25 gallon and thats it. I toss it in right before or right after I start filling the tank. You can add water back in at whatever rate. Usually it takes about 10 minuets to refill my 55 gallon.

CezzaXV · Feb 1, 2012

Thanks guys.

I'm using Prime so although I was massively overdosing, it was still only a few ml. This is the first time I've done it and the procedure gets to my paranoid side even though I know there are many on these forums who do it and it's fine.

micko · Feb 1, 2012

I add half before I start filling and half when I'm near done. I add enough to treat the whole tank, not just the water I'm adding.

Dieses Madchen · Feb 1, 2012

I dose for the tank when I am filling, and does for half the tank before I turn my filter back on

Malawi MaD · Feb 1, 2012

I dose the tank add my salts and everything etc... and run my water from the hose through a pond heater so its going back in at the temp i want it at. :good:

DBT85 · Feb 1, 2012

One thing I have realised is that my default hose nozzle is really not suitable. To get any water out at a reasonable rate it also has to come out and want to travel the length of the garden. It's a pain with an empty tank so I'm definitely going to have to change for when I have fish!

thisguyek · Feb 1, 2012

I've got one of those sink hoses for my tank as well. LOVE IT! what i do, is test out the temp before i start refilling, making sure its the same temp as the tank. when i'm ready, i let it rip! As far as the dechlorinator, I does for the capacity of the tank. Sometimes i add it as its filling, sometimes after... never had problems either way. :good:

CezzaXV · Feb 2, 2012

DBT85 said:
One thing I have realised is that my default hose nozzle is really not suitable. To get any water out at a reasonable rate it also has to come out and want to travel the length of the garden. It's a pain with an empty tank so I'm definitely going to have to change for when I have fish!

You can get adaptors to fit a range of taps. My tank is currently downstairs while my room is being redecorated so I've got one to fit my kitchen tap, but when it goes back upstairs I've got something to fit my bathroom taps too. Neither of them have the screw on attachment. I plan on making a tutorial soon once I get my camera back from my sister.

Dieses Madchen · Feb 2, 2012

CezzaXV said:
DBT85 said:

One thing I have realised is that my default hose nozzle is really not suitable. To get any water out at a reasonable rate it also has to come out and want to travel the length of the garden. It's a pain with an empty tank so I'm definitely going to have to change for when I have fish!

Click to expand...

You can get adaptors to fit a range of taps. My tank is currently downstairs while my room is being redecorated so I've got one to fit my kitchen tap, but when it goes back upstairs I've got something to fit my bathroom taps too. Neither of them have the screw on attachment. I plan on making a tutorial soon once I get my camera back from my sister.