25% water change

[fishface]

As you know were new to this and are getting ready to do our first 1/4 water change. Before I ask someone to give me an idiot proof talk through it I thought I would check to see if its already listed somewhere on the forum

Ridiculously im feeling really nervous about doing this and want to make sure its spot on not to risk the fish!

 

[mrV]

So, why you're nervous about water changes? How can it be harmful?

If you haven't done water changes lately or you have done small water changes (or only rarely), it would be better to do small ones at first. Change water about 10% every other day and after week start to do 25% water changes weekly, regurarly. Because if water in your tank is "bad" (caused by small water changes or rarely done changes) and you do huge water change now, it can be harmful to fishes. So, start slowly and finally do it regularly.

If you saw how I make water changes you would probably be shocked B) Couple months ago I did 50% water changes weekly, sometimes 75%. Nowadays I change 20-25% twice a week.

 

[fishface]

Weve only been keeping fish for around two weeks now (there is another post in the begginers section explaining how we came about taking them in) I was worried that if we syphoned the water off and then added new would the temperature change dramatically and would that be harmful to the fish! Also do we need to add more tapsafe to compensate for the new water?

I have never made any changes and dont even know whether you take the fish out while you do it or leave them!

Sorry to sound like a complete and utter dufus but we did sort of get them landed on us

 

[thecichlidaddict]

Hey Fishface

Water changes are a piece of cake!


The bucket Method:
1: Syphon out the water into a bucket and dump it.
2: Fill the bucket with tap water, adjusting the temperature to be close to the aquariums. Treat this water with conditioner (I assume that tapsafe stuff is a conditioner) just enough to treat the water being replaced, not the whole tank.
3: Pour water into the aquarium.

The Python Method: (using a hose that attaches right to the tap)
1: use python to syphon the water out
2: Add water conditioner directly to the aquarium (enough to treat the water being replaced)
3: Adjust the temp. of the tap to be close to the aquarium and reverse the flow to fill it up

Water changes are nothing to be scared of, they are easy and the fish will love you for it. I do 40-50% water changes without a problem, but about 25% is all you really need to do. Here are some other points to keep in mind:

-there is no need to remove the fish, they will get used to the routine
-Water conditioners work instantly, there is no need to 'age' the water first
-The temperature doesn't have to be perfect since you are only replacing a small portion of it, you just need to use your fingers to get it close
-Nothing is better for your fish then clean water, and if you keep up weekly water changes the tank will remain cleaner, the fish will remain healthier, and there will be no need for any other additives except water conditioner


Vaccuming the Gravel:
Water changes are a good time to vacuum your substrate. Syphons are available with a plastic cylinder at the end of a hose that will allow you to vacuum the gravel while you syphon the water - get two chores done at once. Regular gravel vacuuming will keep your tank cleaner and healthier in the long term.


Good luck!

 

[mrV]

The Python Method

Im doing half-python method nowadays Let water to flow from tank direct to drain. After that I use "bucket method", so I first fill up the bucket and then I add little bit water conditioner. After that I put a pump to that bucket and let it pump water to tank:

Pump is pumping water to tank and water is flowing (from tap) to that bucket via hose (green one)

I know Im lazy, but I had extra pump...

 

[fishface]

Thank you for all the advice! We are looking forward to giving it a go
Will have to print this thread out like the muppet I am and keep it to hand!

Anyone got any difficult dogs they want a hand training in exchange for you doing my water switch Now Dogs I can do