water changing

[Deano]

I am ready to do my first 25% water change, do i dechlorinate the new water before i put it in the tank, or do i put the new tap water in adn then add the dechlorinating fluid???

 

[aquarius]

I think it's better if you dechlorinate the water before you put it in the tank. It gives it a chance to mix evenly. That's what I always do

 

[bettabuddy]

I add AquaSafe to tap water and store it for 24 hrs. before doing water changes.
This gives the water time to warm up to room temp. Then I heat the water to tank temp. by placing a 1 liter pyrex pitcher in the microwave, pouring back into the storage bucket and repeating until the temps are equalized. I have a digital probe thermometer I use to check temps.
I have done it this way for years with no problems.

 

[goldfishattack]

I personally take 1 cup of water out of the tank and place just fresh filtered water back in, every week, and every month I do a 10% water change.

 

[Lithril]

ALWAYS add the dechlorinator to the water before you add it to the tank. I usually fill the bucket up with cold water, add hot water in to get the correct temperature, then add the dechlorinator and give a good mix with hands - add straight to the tank.

 

[gadazobe]

Goldfish, you have a 10 gallon tank and have just added to fish that will grow to about 5". I personally think you should start doing regular water changes weekly and not monthly. A small tank is not so forgiving as a large one.

 

[MAM]

i usually fill my cleanwater buckets, add the water conditioner (dechlorinator), let it sit while i clean the tank so it can become room temp, and then add it in when ready. haven't had any problems.

 

[Lithril]

Gotta say I clean both my 10 and 30 gal weekly, although the 30 gal has puffers and they are REALLY messy

Deano don't know if you realise if thats a common pleco you've got in your tank you'll be looking at rehousing it before long, they grow VERY big.

 

[Deano]

Thank everyone for the advice

As for the pleco...he is only around 2inches at the moment and when he grows out of my tank my neighbour is having him...hes got a much bigger tank.

If my pleco is 2inches now how long would it take to grow to say 10inches???

 

[Deano]

Any ideas?

 

[Eelzor]

I would say maybe 1-1 1/2 year for the common pleco to reach 6-8inches. But once a plec is that big, its an excellent pet, and you really wouldn't want to let it go!

 

[Mollymomma]

My common plec grew from 2inches to 6 in just about 5 months. He's either the norm or really a pig LOL By the time the 1 year mark rolls around he'll be a full foot.