Any ideas for water changes??

[Fishingchucknj]

Good evening all. I’ve gotten a serious case of multi tank syndrome recently and I’m trying to get some ideas on how everyone is doing their water changes. I currently have a 125g, 65g, 55g, and a 35g tanks. I purchased a 1000gal/hr pump on line to drain the water but am using a Python to refill. I usually do a 25 to 50 percent water change weekly and it takes a lot of time to refill. My problem is I’m planning on swapping out the 55g for a 120. And once I have time to build a stand I have a 180g. I want to set up. Once I have all the bigger tanks set up I don’t think I’ll be able to do all my tank maintenance on 1 night. Was hoping I could get some ideas on my best way to sped up the process. Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[BigManAquatics]

May just have to plan on water change weekends!

 

[NotSoAggressiveAquatics]

Sounds like the way you’re doing it is the most efficient. So like Betta'sAnonymous said you might just have to plan a water change day

 

[Fishingchucknj]

That’s what I was afraid of. I was thinking of trying to set up a 200-300gallon holding tank in the basement then pump it up to the tanks. If I could fit one of the 275gallon cubes that is in a metal cage and on a pallet down there I probably would. Just add a heater set at 80 and I’d be good to go. Unfortunately I’d probably have to set up multiple 50 gallon barrels but then you have the issues of having a consistent temp.

 

[KribensisLover1]

That’s what I was afraid of. I was thinking of trying to set up a 200-300gallon holding tank in the basement then pump it up to the tanks. If I could fit one of the 275gallon cubes that is in a metal cage and on a pallet down there I probably would. Just add a heater set at 80 and I’d be good to go. Unfortunately I’d probably have to set up multiple 50 gallon barrels but then you have the issues of having a consistent temp.

Wait what’s this water drainage you have?

 

[Fishingchucknj]

It’s just a small electric pump. You can purchase on eBay or Amazon for around 20$. I hooked mine up to a 3/4 in garden hose and run it out ther window. It takes a 7-8 minutes to drain about 50 percent of the water in my 125. It’s much faster the using a python on the faucet and you’re not wasting the extra tap water.

 

[Maxxx]

You don't necessarily do water changes... It really depends on the setup and stocking in the tank. If you have a heavily planted tank with a low bioload you can reduce or almost entirely eliminate the need for water changes. I would suggest you look up how to set up a walstad tank. Unfortunately it does limit your stocking choices and requires some balancing but can help with your problem. I run all my tanks as planted and it really reduces how often I need a water change since the plants help process the waste specifically the nitrates that build up at the end of the cycle. You can also test your water to determine how often you actually need to change your water as well. Some of your tanks might go 2-3 weeks before there is a noticeable change shown by the test kit.

 

[Lucy]

Hi welcome to FishLore!!

I do almost the same thing, I guess on a smaller scale. I use a small fountain pump and run the water out the window and my python to refill.
The difference is, it's set in a bucket. I use a hand gravel vac -->water into bucket -->pump it out the window
I've got a HUGE population of Malaysian Trumpet snails that I don't want in my septic.