Water Change

[Garbolino]

Just wondered how people go about changing there water?
I have two 240ltr tanks & to change approx 25% I have a plastic box that holds 110ltrs I first fill this adding hot water to get to the required temp, whilst adding declorinator I then have a length of plastic tubing with a drill pump attached , when the drill is attached it sucks the water out of my tank & down the outside drain, I then have a small submersible pump that I place in the plastic box to replace the water, it all takes around 30/40mins to remove & replace 25% of water from one tank.

Is there an easier way?

Drilling my tanks & fitting sumps & drips is a no go as one tank is in the front room & the other in the hallway so plumbing would be a nightmare

 

[Ninjouzata]

We have a hose that connects to our sink faucet, it's one of the over-priced kinds you get at pet shops, but I like it. It has switches to control the flow. Just turn it on in the correct switch position, turn sink on to create suction, and drains the tank. Turn the switch and fill it up.

 

[Garbolino]

How do you control temp & do you add dechorinator to your tank?

 

[Ninjouzata]

I just put the sink handle things and check the temp with my hand. It does not have to be the exact temp of the tank, just close. I add some of the dechlorinator while it's filling and the rest after.

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

You can build a setup like this yourself. There are a couple of tutorials on this site:
 
[Tutorial] Diy Python System - Do-It-Yourself Projects & Hardware - Tropical Fish Forums
How To Make A Diy Python - Aquarium DIY - Tropical Fish Forums

 

[Garbolino]

that's brilliant, so much better little diy project this weekend I think

 

[Ninjouzata]

that's brilliant, so much better little diy project this weekend I think

Have fun and good luck!

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

I was able to get clear tubing from B&Q over by the reels of rope and chain. Have fun!!

 

[Garbolino]

All bits bought there had ran out of clear hose so looked in the garden section and bought a 25m hose pipe for £10

 

[Ch4rlie]

Hmm, methink hava a little DIY project soon too! lol
 
Looks good and worth trying IMO.
 
Post pics when you've done that and tell us how you got on. Tips for this would be great.
 
Good luck!

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

Here's mine! I took the syphon end off though because I bought the Eheim battery operated vac and my current tank doesn't need the substrate cleaned at all (heaven!)
 

 
Also you MUST get yourselves one of these - I found this one on ebay. Helps big time
 

 

[Ch4rlie]

Hmmm, looks a good and tidy job, can work out connection to tap, drain to sink and end in tank etc.
 
How do you control water temp and dechlorinator?

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

I disconnect the long part of the hose from the tap attachment, get it to temperature just by touch (I've gotten VERY good at it - spot on each time!) and reattach the long length of hose - you'd think it would spray everywhere but it doesn't lol
 
I let the tank mostly refill and then add enough dechlorinator for the whole tank near the end. The "chlorinated" water actually has some antibacterial benefits for fish and it doesn't harm the fish if exposed for a short period.

 

[Ch4rlie]

Thats good although I am certainly not proficient in water temperatures!
So is there anything that can be used to get temp right like a instant digital thermometers or anything like that? Nothing too pricey though!

 

[Garbolino]

I've also ordered a hma filter for the next time I do a water change this will get rid of chlorine & any hard metals