O C

I've been browsing the forum for tips on water changes. I've been using 5 gal buckets for my 55 gal tank, and my back would like something easier. I'm leaning towards filling a large garbage can from the hose through a window (and I think I can siphon out the same window). Then I can treat and adjust temp in the can. Then I'd like to pump the water into the tank.
I've never had a powerhead pump...So, can I just "drop" a powerhead pump with a hose attached into the can, turn it on and pump the water into the tank? If so what would be a reasonably priced model to do this? The distance from the floor to the top of the tank is about 48".
Thanks for any advice!

harpua2002

I just use a Python for the water changes on all my FW tanks. It drains and fills the tank. It connects to the sink and you don't have to use buckets at all.

O C

I have a python, but it will not work on our new faucet (one of those fancy pull down spray jobs). I could use it from the outside faucet by the window (which is what I'll use to fill the garbage can), but in the winter the water would be wayyyyy cold. So, I'm trying to find a simple routine I can use year round.

jusfishinaround

I don't have a python (primarily because of cost and the challenges that some have reported with the hook-up). Instead, I just added a diverter to my shower head and then purchased an appropriate length of clear plastic tubing and hooked it up to the 2nd outlet on the diverter. I just leave the hose connected and rolled up hanging over the shower head. When it's time to do a water change, I have a second piece of clear tubing that I use to siphon out the water to the drain in the shower and then turn on the shower, adjust the water temp coming from the shower head and then just divert the water to the hose which I have already secured to the edge of the tank. If your distance to the shower is too far for draining the water you could still drain out your window (I suppose even in the winter) but then fill from your shower. The clear plastic tubing I got at lowes is only around 30 -50 cents per foot depending on the diameter of the tubing. I don't remember how much the diverter cost me but I know it was not much. Hope the idea helps or at least gives you something more to think about.