Weekly Water Change

[Teacher Martyn]

Have just done my first 25% water change of new set-up.

Water everywhere, a mouthful of aquarium water, replaced spray bar on filter closed end first and nearly blew up filter before I realised why water was not emitting, parquet sodden, pain working out tiny fractions of dechlorinator to put in bucketful of water each time....

How do slick, experienced fishkeepers with shag-pile carpet in semi-detached show homes do it smoothly every week?

Mx

 

[fluttermoth]

Well, I've been keeping for for about 30 years, woman and child, and I still get the floor wet nearly every time

You'd think, with my vast experience (LOL!) I'd remember simple things, like getting a towel out before I start, wouldn't you? But no, I always end up wondering round the house, with wet sleeves, looking for a towel

Honestly, it gets better, really it does! If you can remember to put an old towel down first, that helps, and syphoning gets easier with practice.

Organization is the key (and is what I never do ). If you don't already have one, a cheap plastic syringe (1 or 5ml) is the best thing for measuring dechlor

 

[DrRob]

Dump gravel cleaner end in water, lift out, put thumb over end of pipe, reinsert gravel cleaner -> syphon started with minimal mess. Or get a syphon with a bulb starter.

1ml syringe for the dechlorinator.

More than one bucket.

Or a python.

 

[Teacher Martyn]

Thank you.

I did remember the towel at least and, of course, I have syringes in the under-aquarium cupboard but forgot that might be the obvious solution.

I guess a gravel cleaner or python (?) are the way forward rather than sucking on the end of a 10 metre hose.

Mx

 

[fluttermoth]

Meh, I use a hose, and I still manage to make a mess

A python is a system that attaches to your tap and you can empty and refill through it. I don't think they're available in the UK, but they're fairly easy to make with bits from a DIY store. There are some tutorials on how to make one, in the 'hardware and DIY' section.

If you're using a very long hose, attach the 'non tank end' to a tap and fill the hose with water. Once all the bubbles have stopped coming out of the 'tank end', pull the hose off the tap and stick out the door/down your drain/whereever.

 

[Teacher Martyn]

Oh, that's a good idea!

As for DIY... If I did that, my flat would have a post-1980 kitchen and post-1976 bathroom and 100% of the parquet sanded instead of two thirds.

Thanks for the help.

Mx

 

[Liz1993]

well my tanks not even a a metre from the sink and I use a bucket and I still get soaked!!!

 

[Aqua Tom]

I prepare myself well in advance, put down old towels, make sure I have a nice clear run for the hose to the drain.

Then get the house completely soaked.


Tom

 

[FishFanatic04]

You'll get better the more you've done it. In a few months you'll be sopping up the water so efficiently it will only soak "part" of the floor. Good thing it's just water and fish poop and bacteria and things. Could be something really nasty getting everywhere.

 

[fluttermoth]

You'll get better the more you've done it. In a few months you'll be sopping up the water so efficiently it will only soak "part" of the floor. Good thing it's just water and fish poop and bacteria and things. Could be something really nasty getting everywhere.

I was just thinking, we're not giving Martyn much reason for optimism!

 

[FishFanatic04]

lol I think the common point is get a lot of towels and a good attitude about it I'm sure some people never spill water. Probably the ones who don't spend all day on fish forums

 

[Tolak]

When I had a 65 gallon tank upstairs I put a plastic desk chair floor mat under the stand before setting the tank up.

Keeping the mess to a minimum just takes practice, along with a bit of planning ahead as to where towels & such are best placed. I don't think I've ever worked on a tank without getting some water where it really doesn't belong, it's just a matter of knowing how to best deal with that stray water.

 

[lljdma06]

Ceramic tile floors.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

I can the rio 350 now without a drop of water in about 15 min. Pond pump thrown in to tank 10m hose out the window, another hose from mixer tap into the tank, dose the whole tank with prime eat my pukka pie

 

[Teacher Martyn]

Like your style.

Is 'I can the rio' fishkeeping slang that I need to get into in order to hold my head high in the local fish shop?

can (v) = perform weekly water change