What equipment do you guys use for weekly water changes?

[dmoney]

I'm trying to get some ideas on what you guys do when you perform water changes. I was thinking about getting a 50 gallon barrel and fill it with saltwater mix. I would then use a pump to place that water in my tank to refill it. Any help on this would be grateful.

[Telco Guy]

I have used a Rubbermaid 32 Gal. Brute® Trash Can (http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=Products_2%2FCleaning+%26+Janitorial%2FTras h+Cans%2FOutdoor&MID=9876&ProductOID=522937&cm_ven=1hd.com2msn&cm_cat=shopping&cm_pla=prod&cm_ite=prod) before. I believe they also come in a 50 Gallon size.

I would mix up my water and let it sit with a pwerhead stirring it over night then pump it in to my tank using the powerhead and a hose.

Now, since I only have a 40 Gallon tank, I just use a 3 Gallon bucket (the water volume of the tank with LR and LS is only about 25 Gallons).

[dmoney]

First off, I already believe whatever you say even before I read the post. All I needed to see was the Lakers Logo!! :lol: Anyways, can't I just use one of the cheaper brand trash cans? I guess with the powerhead and hose, isn't it possible to also drain the tank and do away with the python clean and fill hose?

[Telco Guy]

Yes, you could go with a cheaper brand of trash can if you are willing to run the risk of it splitting. :wink: Most trash cans are not designed to hold a lot of water. Keep in mind that water weighs a lot and will cause stress on the sides of the container. I went with the Brute trash can because I knew it would hold up over time and it wasn't that much more for piece of mind.

As for draining, I actually used a U shaped siphon tube that I cut to the precise length so that it would stop the siphon when the proper amount of water was removed. Then I took the same hose and hooked it to the pump and refilled the tank.

Go Lakers! :banana: So, you're a Lakers fan? Where do you live?

[dmoney]

Yup been a Laker Fan since early 80's since that was "everyone's" team then. I believe the Kings are the Celtics back then except they haven't won anything...lol I live in Chino Hills and I am new to this SW tank experience...hope to learn from you and everyone else that gives great advice! Can I get a siphon tube like that at HDepot?

[Telco Guy]

Can I get a siphon tube like that at HDepot?

No, but you could make one. Check in the sprinkler section. They have fittings that you could use to connect to the hose and screw together to make the U shape. I just used an old siphon tube from an old filter. You may be able to find something like this at your LFS.

[rememberme]

Two 10 litre buckets - one with fresh saltwater and one for old

A siphon tube with shut-off valve

[dmoney]

Dang, I guess you guys can tell I'm not one of them DIY types!! U shape syphon tubes and syphon tubes with shut off valves?!?! :shock: I'll figure somethin out for my water changes. Thanks for the advice.

[hawk-eye]

I have a 67 gallon tank and i do a 10% at a time so about seven gallons i just put the water in pails to which i use two pails of new salt water which i mix ahead of time and i use two more pails to vacuum out the old water , no high tech valves or syphons or water pumps . I keep it simple and then i just pour the water back into the tank slowly . My excercise now of course the pails are not full and i can handle the weight . It may be differant for those with bigger tanks and more expensive flooring under the tanks . Something you may have to consider .

Ed

:roll: lakers :roll: they do have the #1 front running fans in the N.B.A.