How do people do water changes?

[gwand]

For my 3 largest tanks, 60, 30 and 20 gallons, I use a python connected to a sink to remove and add water. My well water does not contain chlorine but it has a nitrate level of 30 ppm. I plumbed a nitrate binding filter to the cold water faucet. I add just enough hot water, which contains nitrate, to the cold water bringing the water temperature to 77F. So I’m adding water with a nitrate level of about 5-10 ppm.

 

[MaloK]

I don't have chlorine water here, but used to have it, and always avoided the "python type" kits ( back in the old days those were called waterbed fill / drain kits )... as I did not want to add the chlorine remover directly to the tank... I don't know how safe they were 30 years ago though...

My jug of Aqua+ is 20 years old and it works and looks as good as new. It was always well stored but still, The expiration date on these products are frivolous.

 

[CassCats]

so those of you with chlorinated water... are you running chlorinated water directly into your tank, like "like from the sink" and letting the dechlor mix with it in the tank??? in theory that should work, but I was always worried, about chlorine sensitive residents getting too much exposure before it blended enough to work

Dechlorinate the tank volume before refilling.

 

[Rusty_Shackleford]

My new Python just arrived on Thursday. Water changes will be a breeze now. No more 5 gal buckets and a step ladder.

For the OP there are some 3D printed/homemade water diffusers online. They should work with buckets or a jug or a Python. Though for those with a Python there is one that works with the Hook as well.

 

[Uberhoust]

I use a python with an extra long hose to siphon the water out directly into our front garden. I then use a standard 50' hose connected to a temperature regulated tap to fill the tank. I put the chlorine treatment in the tank just before I start filling it. I typically change 75% of the water weekly to every 2 weeks. My current tank is 75 gallons, it takes less than an hour to do a water change including cleaning the glass and vacuuming the gravel.