1. Larger is better: I recommend at least 1/3rd of the aquarium volume every two weeks in anything under 100 gallons. As long as the replacement water is of the same temperature, pH, and salinity (if applicable) then you can't change too much!
2. It's important to make water changes as hassle-free as possible, because if it's not easy, you're less likely to do it, and your aquarium may suffer for it. Use a device like the one pictured (a 'Python Clean and Fill') to make emptying and filling your aquarium much easier. These devices hook up to your indoor or outdoor faucet and allow you to empty the aquarium without starting a siphon, and fill it again just by flipping a valve. For a freshwater aquarium, all you'll need to do is add dechlorinator (I recommend Seachem's Prime) as you're filling the tank!
3. For saltwater aquariums, setting up a saltwater mixing station: this can be as simple as a container, a pump, and one of the water changing devices mentioned. Add water to the container, add salt (I recommend Tropic Marin salt mix) plug in the pump, and let it mix/aerate until the water clears and reaches the desired temperature (grab an extra heater!) pH (8.4), and salinity (~1.025 specific gravity). You can make this even easier you purchase a pump with a threaded output, and buy an adapter with a garden hose fitting to screw your Python or other water changing device to, for easy filling!
You may have heard of aquariums going for months or longer without any water changes, but rest assured, this isn't an optimal environment, and any responsible and conscientious hobbyist will perform a large partial water change at least once monthly - I promise you'll have a healthier aquarium for it!
2. It's important to make water changes as hassle-free as possible, because if it's not easy, you're less likely to do it, and your aquarium may suffer for it. Use a device like the one pictured (a 'Python Clean and Fill') to make emptying and filling your aquarium much easier. These devices hook up to your indoor or outdoor faucet and allow you to empty the aquarium without starting a siphon, and fill it again just by flipping a valve. For a freshwater aquarium, all you'll need to do is add dechlorinator (I recommend Seachem's Prime) as you're filling the tank!
3. For saltwater aquariums, setting up a saltwater mixing station: this can be as simple as a container, a pump, and one of the water changing devices mentioned. Add water to the container, add salt (I recommend Tropic Marin salt mix) plug in the pump, and let it mix/aerate until the water clears and reaches the desired temperature (grab an extra heater!) pH (8.4), and salinity (~1.025 specific gravity). You can make this even easier you purchase a pump with a threaded output, and buy an adapter with a garden hose fitting to screw your Python or other water changing device to, for easy filling!
You may have heard of aquariums going for months or longer without any water changes, but rest assured, this isn't an optimal environment, and any responsible and conscientious hobbyist will perform a large partial water change at least once monthly - I promise you'll have a healthier aquarium for it!
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Posted by: Paloma Water Heater | 03/29/2010 at 12:26 AM
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Angelo H
Posted by: Angelo | 06/03/2010 at 02:54 AM