Water Changes Made Easy!

[GoldfishAttentionSpan]

I wasn't thinking, and I filled up my new tank with our tap water (I actually ran a hose through the door and straight into the tank ) so I had to drain it all out and replace with water from a relative's house. (Our tap water kills fish. ) There isn't any fish in it, so don't worry, I'm still getting other things taken care of concerning it.

In case the picture isn't clear, the tank is right next to an outside door, so I figured out that the python is long enough to stick the end out of the door and drain the tank directly outside. I can even stick the other end into the plants and go sit down while it drains without me.

I worry that I will eventually have a problem with algae, but it does make water changes easier, lol.

Just thought I would share, I found it somewhat amusing.

 

[jarcher1390]

yeh good idea ive done that before but make sure u dont have any fry and they cannot get sucked up otherwise ull be out side searching for them like the great escape. if u got a longer peice of pipe u could do a gravel clean around the tank. if ur going to leave it make sure u DO NOT!!! forget other wise it will empty your whole tank out. Just a word of warning

 

[Scott MacAdam]

I have done this a few times with a water jug ( i think 18liters... the ones for water coolers) with my larger tank so i leave the python so it will suck air at approximately the same time the jug is full..... so I can leave the room and not worry.... I come back later and replace it.

although i do like your idea of putting it outside! good work! keeps the plants healthy

 

[SouthernCross]

I always save all my water from water changes and vaccing in buckets then we use them on our gardens. Fish poo = bonus fertiliser!

I guess though I've been living in a country afflicted by drought for the last decade or so - it's a mortal sin to waste water here, we're always thinking of ways to save it - it makes me feel better that by using it on the gardens I'm not wasting water by keeping fish and doing water changes all the time.

 

[GoldLenny]

I'm not sure if you used a garden hose when you filled your tank but it's not a good idea since they can leach a vinyl/rubber chemical compound into the water. Certain hoses are suitable for potable water but garden hoses aren't. Now, if you run the hose for several minutes first to kind of flush it out first, it probably isn't as bad but anywater that was sitting in the hose is definitely a no-no. If you ever taste it, you could actually taste the rubber. I've made this mistake when working outside and wanting a quick sip of water and drank out of the hose.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

we do this with a hose stretched right across the front room out the front door

 

[Iron Man]

I've been using my python for years and can't live without it now. It has really spoiled me.

 

[SamUK]

ive always siphoned out the window.

i use the outside hose to refill too.


temp drops a bit but the fish dont seem to mind at all.

 

[Bozza]

Since we are on level 5 water restrictions. I have to save every drop of water. I use it on watever grass we have outside. Im sure most of us cant live without the siphone

 

[cooky]

I have just bought all the parts to make my own python plus i got a 24" gravel vac to go with it all for only £35 including P&P i have the hose already that is long enough

http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/catalogue...er-changers.asp

 

[slipperysucker]

Hi all. Im new to this fish keeping...well ive been at it for about 6 months...and my life has been all about our new guppy tank at home....Im tired of buckets...and my tank is near a kitchen and a window...Alot of people tell me the python thing is excellent...and seeing Im in Oz and water restrictions are also a major topic..I think it sounds like a perfect idea. Didnt relise water was tight in the uk also.

Cheers, Cathy in oz

 

[Birdie]

Didnt relise water was tight in the uk also.

Yes, plus I'm on a water meter ( not everyone is in the UK) . All my fishy-poo water goes on the garden. Especially on the roses Last summer when it was particularly dry, I used to trek up and down the stairs with buckets of bathwater to chuck it on the garden too ( this year I will be siphoning it out of the window and into a designated waterbutt. )

 

[andywg]

I'm on a water meter ( not everyone is in the UK)

I am glad I'm not on a meter. Those 100 gallons a week water changes together with the waste from the RO unit would cost me a fortune...

With regards to using garden hoses, my £5 B&Q garden hose has done me very well for over two years now, I haven't noticed any problems at all. I would say the copper in the water pipes is going to do worse to any fish than the hose pipe.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

I would say the copper in the water pipes is going to do worse to any fish than the hose pipe.

yeah only time we've had problems after water changes was just after we'd had sme plumbing work done and brand new copper pipes put it, loads of shrimp died pretty much straight after water changes, just used double dechlor for a while after to make sure all traces of heavy metals were gone.