How to change water

[Chickengooch]

How do I go about changing the water in the tank? I got 2 small red platies to help finish cycling the tank (I have been testing the water, and it seems to be right on target with the directions on the box), but need to know how to change the water, and how often. And how much. Thanks so much guys!

 

[Tempestuousfury]

You'll need a siphon and a bucket. The siphon you can get form a lfs, but the bucket can be from anywhere provided that it is clean and doesn't have chemical residues on it.

All you have to do is put the siphon in the water, pull it up and down a few times, and it starts sucking out water. The bucket can be used to transport the water to and from the faucet.

Plus, if you have a bucket, you can put the dechlorinator in the water before you add the water to the tank.

 

[kev_kb]

Yes, but I'd also add you can get battery operated syphons, these are much easier to use in my experience. You should be changing 10% a week once the tank is established, more so during cycling. During cycling you'll need to change as much as needed to keep Ammonia & Nitrite well under 1ppm, say 0.25ppm max if you want to keep your fish.