How many of your tanks get water changes on the same day?

Just a bit curious! I worked on my nieces 10 gallon, my 20 gallon, and the 10 gallon Betta tank today. Another 10 gallon is on its way to completion. I like getting them all done on the same day. However, I do travel to my mothers house to maintain my nieces tank. The point of this post? Well...I'm exhausted with working on the three in one day. Can't wait to add the fourth!

 

I have a 90g, 25g cube, 20g long, 10g, and a 3 gallon jar. I usually do all 4 of the small ones in one day, once or twice a week. I take water out of all 4 and then go around and refill all 4.

The 90g, I had to get a new faucet for my sinks and it doesn't have proper fit for a water change hose. So i use 5 or 6 5 gallon buckets to drain into. And use them again to refill. I usually do this on a different day than my other tanks because it's very time consuming and a lot of physical work.

 

Starting after dinner, I do the 55, and bow front 48 because they're in the same room. Then I do the 37 and 20 because they're in the next room. If time permits, I do the two 10's last. I save the 5 gallon for another day because it's too late and the lights are out in that room. Thank goodness for the python and eco pump. A siphon would take too long. I don't miss the 5 gallon bucket days! That was brutal and SLOW.

 

125, 75, 29, 60, 40 breeder, 5, and 2 gallon all on the same day either Saturday or Sunday. 50% on all ounce a week unless something goes wrong. But the 4 biggest ate filtered for 200 gallons each the 29 filtered for 100 the others for 75 with a central filter setup. All done in 1 hour and a half max. The python water changers are gold.

 

I do my 55 gallon, Then my 40, then my 20, then all of my tens. It takes me about an hour all together with my python.

 

At school, I usually do my 10 and 7 on the same day and my 40 on the next day. Since I’ve been home I have been doing the 10 and 3 or 7 and my 3 on the same day. No need to do the 40 since that is still at school. Similarly, no need to do the 3 while at school because that stays home.

 

I have a 90g, 25g cube, 20g long, 10g, and a 3 gallon jar. I usually do all 4 of the small ones in one day, once or twice a week. I take water out of all 4 and then go around and refill all 4.

The 90g, I had to get a new faucet for my sinks and it doesn't have proper fit for a water change hose. So i use 5 or 6 5 gallon buckets to drain into. And use them again to refill. I usually do this on a different day than my other tanks because it's very time consuming and a lot of physical work.

I can only imagine! I just use buckets at the moment. Maybe that's the exhausting part. I'm inspired by you! I only have tiny tanks to deal with.

 

First off, I have 3 tanks that I change, a 55, 29, and 2.5 gallon. I typically try to do them all in one day because if I've got the equipment out and am doing it, I might as well do it all. I start with the 55 because it's the most challenging. I have to get water from my basement, down 2 flights of stairs, so it's time consuming and tiring. The 29 is in the basement, so it's much easier. It's also not planted, so it's generally much cleaner.

I'm seeing the common thread of the Python water changer here and it piques my interest because I would love to not have to do the 5 gallon buckets to change my 29 and 55 anymore. At the risk of derailing the thread a little here, the one thing that concerns me about purchasing and using that is the regulation of the water temperature. How to you know that you've got the water at the right temperature to put in the tank? I can picture having the end of the hose up 2 flights and about 75' away from the faucet. How do you check the temp to make sure that you're not putting too cold or hot of water into the tank?

 

Starting after dinner, I do the 55, and bow front 48 because they're in the same room. Then I do the 37 and 20 because they're in the next room. If time permits, I do the two 10's last. I save the 5 gallon for another day because it's too late and the lights are out in that room. Thank goodness for the python and eco pump. A siphon would take too long. I don't miss the 5 gallon bucket days! That was brutal and SLOW.

Wow! Maybe I should invest in a Python system. I was thinking of a power pump of sorts to fill the tanks from a bucket that sits below the tank. It just sucks lifting those buckets and dumping over and over again.

125, 75, 29, 60, 40 breeder, 5, and 2 gallon all on the same day either Saturday or Sunday. 50% on all ounce a week unless something goes wrong. But the 4 biggest ate filtered for 200 gallons each the 29 filtered for 100 the others for 75 with a central filter setup. All done in 1 hour and a half max. The python water changers are gold.

I'm doing something wrong. It took me over an hour to do the 20 gallon, lol.

I've noticed a trend in time and equipment. Multiple tanks which are far larger than mine are being changed within 1.5 hours, and the Python system. Suppose I have to speed up and grab a Python. Although, does that mean you have to condition the water after it is in the tank? Any risks with that? I'm assuming "no" because you are all pretty much using that system.

 

A thermometer at the faucet to set the temperature as close to the tank temperature as possible. A tank thermometer near where the water goes in. The temperature never really changes more that 1 degree. I sometimes do a 75% water change and my Angelfish are fine. That big a change and a decrease in temperature typically gets them into a spawning mood. Remember to add the dechlor before the tap water goes in. this is my strategy for the last 11 years. No casualties ever.

 

First off, I have 3 tanks that I change, a 55, 29, and 2.5 gallon. I typically try to do them all in one day because if I've got the equipment out and am doing it, I might as well do it all. I start with the 55 because it's the most challenging. I have to get water from my basement, down 2 flights of stairs, so it's time consuming and tiring. The 29 is in the basement, so it's much easier. It's also not planted, so it's generally much cleaner.

I'm seeing the common thread of the Python water changer here and it piques my interest because I would love to not have to do the 5 gallon buckets to change my 29 and 55 anymore. At the risk of derailing the thread a little here, the one thing that concerns me about purchasing and using that is the regulation of the water temperature. How to you know that you've got the water at the right temperature to put in the tank? I can picture having the end of the hose up 2 flights and about 75' away from the faucet. How do you check the temp to make sure that you're not putting too cold or hot of water into the tank?

Good point! We need insight!

 

I also put an inline pump near the faucet to speed up the water removal. My tank is 60 feet from the sink and the same height. A siphon can only do so much. Good luck.

 

A thermometer at the faucet to set the temperature as close to the tank temperature as possible. A tank thermometer near where the water goes in. The temperature never really changes more that 1 degree. I sometimes do a 75% water change and my Angelfish are fine. That big a change and a decrease in temperature typically gets them into a spawning mood. Remember to add the dechlor before the tap water goes in. this is my strategy for the last 11 years. No casualties ever.

Alright..I sound ridiculous and I should know better, but on water change days you take your percentage out, add conditioner to the tank, then fill from the faucet, correct? I feel like I'm a caveman.

 

Sometimes all three,sometimes two or just one,depends...all of my tanks are on revolving schedules but every now and then I get in the groove and try and match them back up....like today......drained over 100 gallons....so fun, doing 75 again tomorrow

 

I do 400 litres/ 106 gallons on a Wednesday into 14 tanks in around 3 hours.

On Thursday it 640 litres/170 gallons into the other 15 tanks in around 4 hours.

Then on Saturday or Sunday it’s another 100 litres / 26 gallons in the fry grow out tanks for their second change in the week. Sometimes I do this on Saturday and Sunday for a third change in one week .

With filter cleaning and messing around with plants etc there’s always something to do instead of watching television.

A 3/4 inch / 20mm hose or two running at the same time speeds up water transfer.

 

Alright..I sound ridiculous and I should know better, but on water change days you take your percentage out, add conditioner to the tank, then fill from the faucet, correct? I feel like I'm a caveman.

That is it exactly. I do rinse the python with tap water before using it and after I am done.

 

I recently purchased a 20g long which now give me 2, My other tank is a 10g, which is out of commission for the moment while I work with the 20.
Once the 10g is back up & running I'll probably change both on same day, but that is to be determined when both tanks are running!

 

Sometimes all three,sometimes two or just one,depends...all of my tanks are on revolving schedules but every now and then I get in the groove and try and match them back up....like today......drained over 100 gallons....so fun, doing 75 again tomorrow

haha. enjoy!

That is it exactly. I do rinse the python with tap water before using it and after I am done.

awesome, thanks!

 

I use the bucket method, and sometimes get to change them all together. I have a 10 month old baby, so if he decides I'm done, that's it. I have horribly chlorinated water, so I don't trust putting water straight into the tank, even with a stiff dose of Prime. I enjoy the workout to empty the buckets into the garden, or tub, depending on weather. And I use a battery operated pump to fill into the tank so I don't have to slowly pour and mess up everything. Biggest tank is 48 gallons so even a 50% is only 5 buckets. Usually I'll talk the husband into taking the kiddos on an hour scenic drive so I can change the water uninterrupted

 

I have 11 tanks (a 170 (130 gallon tank, 40 gallon sump), 75, 55, 40, 40, 36, 29, 29, 20, 15, 5) so I have a lot of water changes I do. One of the 29s is a QT so the water changes on that are every other week as normally it is quite understocked, same thing with the 20, all the other tanks get weekly cleanings. I normally focus one tank a day while doing the smaller tanks all together, however being honest I have been a bit lazy lately and have been doing every other week on a lot of the smaller tanks and have been mostly focusing the larger tanks. Luckily there fine though, parameters don’t get bad, however I do plan to try to get a bit better at that again. I can’t let myself get lazy on this hobby!

 

3 at a time. I have a water changing system.

 

haha. enjoy!

I got my final touches on the 28 gallon re scape.
Waiting for the tank of the month for next month hah

 

I use the bucket method, and sometimes get to change them all together. I have a 10 month old baby, so if he decides I'm done, that's it. I have horribly chlorinated water, so I don't trust putting water straight into the tank, even with a stiff dose of Prime. I enjoy the workout to empty the buckets into the garden, or tub, depending on weather. And I use a battery operated pump to fill into the tank so I don't have to slowly pour and mess up everything. Biggest tank is 48 gallons so even a 50% is only 5 buckets. Usually I'll talk the husband into taking the kiddos on an hour scenic drive so I can change the water uninterrupted

Can you link to a similar battery operated pump? I am interested!

I got my final touches on the 28 gallon re scape.
Waiting for the tank of the month for next month hah

Nice! Maybe I'll try for one of those when my winterscape is done..I don't know. lol

 

I've noticed a trend in time and equipment. Multiple tanks which are far larger than mine are being changed within 1.5 hours, and the Python system. Suppose I have to speed up and grab a Python. Although, does that mean you have to condition the water after it is in the tank? Any risks with that? I'm assuming "no" because you are all pretty much using that system.

For me I add stress coat after draining then start fill up. And personally I stick my hand in my aquarium water then compare it to the faucet. I've gone maybe 3° over with that method according to the thermometer on my heater.

 

I have 11 tanks (a 170 (130 gallon tank, 40 gallon sump), 75, 55, 40, 40, 36, 29, 29, 20, 15, 5) so I have a lot of water changes I do. One of the 29s is a QT so the water changes on that are every other week as normally it is quite understocked, same thing with the 20, all the other tanks get weekly cleanings. I normally focus one tank a day while doing the smaller tanks all together, however being honest I have been a bit lazy lately and have been doing every other week on a lot of the smaller tanks and have been mostly focusing the larger tanks. Luckily there fine though, parameters don’t get bad, however I do plan to try to get a bit better at that again. I can’t let myself get lazy on this hobby!

That's amazing! My fiance would kill me if I had more tanks than what we have now. haha. This is where I would bring an Excel sheet in. I would need something to reference while trying to figure out what tank needs what and by when.

 

I just have a 10 and a 5 right now, full clean and maintenance done on both in 30 minutes, every 6 days. Sometimes I wish it took longer... I absolutely love doing the maintenance and I can't wait until I have my big tank to sink my teeth into!

 

Nice! Maybe I'll try for one of those when my winterscape is done..I don't know. lol

I like your scapes, maybe I will p.m a sneak preview and ask for some tips haha

 

I just have a 10 and a 5 right now, full clean and maintenance done on both in 30 minutes, every 6 days. Sometimes I wish it took longer... I absolutely love doing the maintenance and I can't wait until I have my big tank to sink my teeth into!

It is pretty fun! I enjoy doing it but not so much lifting buckets constantly.

I like your scapes, maybe I will p.m a sneak preview and ask for some tips haha

Thanks! Well I do have that scape build thread. I believe you may have commented on it the other day? I also just decided that I'm not happy with the 20 gallon soooooooo.....re-scape!

 

There are lots, and I got mine from Harbor Freight (don't know if you have those stores or not)
Battery Operated Liquid Transfer Pump

This one takes 2 D batteries, and honestly if it were faster it would kick up too much substrate. If I'm not vacuuming gravel, I also use it to empty water from tank into the bucket as well. It works best if the bucket is level with the tank, I use a folding wood TV tray to set the bucket on. Sounds sketchy but it's actually sturdy. When I need the flow slower on my 5gal with sand, I set it on the floor so it has to pump upwards so it will go slower.

 

There are lots, and I got mine from Harbor Freight (don't know if you have those stores or not)
Battery Operated Liquid Transfer Pump

This one takes 2 D batteries, and honestly if it were faster it would kick up too much substrate. If I'm not vacuuming gravel, I also use it to empty water from tank into the bucket as well. It works best if the bucket is level with the tank, I use a folding wood TV tray to set the bucket on. Sounds sketchy but it's actually sturdy. When I need the flow slower on my 5gal with sand, I set it on the floor so it has to pump upwards so it will go slower.

Thanks!

 

I do my two 40 breeders on the same day of the week. It takes about 2 hours as although I use a python to drain, I use remineralized RO/DI water to fill so it takes a bit longer.
75 g gets done on either Sunday or Monday, whichever is my day off that week.

 

"Alexa change water on shrimp tanks" or press button on my phone and set desired timer depending on how much of a change I want. The true beauty is I can do it from the dock at the lake 200 miles away.
Now for those into finer details this was not a huge expense and the only important factor is I have a drain (sink) near my tanks. I knew when I got into multiple tanks again that I would need to create a no hassle system as I tend to get lazy with maintenance in time.

- 3 stage carbon filter from water source (sink) $30
- tubing and fittings $30
- solinoid $15 and power $15
- smart plug $20
- no drilled tank so I made DIY over flows $40
Now you need a phone and Alexa but hey !

 

I only have a 10, and a 5, which feels so light compared to the rest of you, but they're ridiculously understocked at the moment. the 10 is full of snails and 3 neos, and the 5 has a betta and a nerite. They get weekly or by weekly water changes, and they get done on the same day, just cause its easy enough to get done with the small tanks.

 

I have 4 tanks, each gets weekly water changes. The 13 and the 5 get changed on the same day, super easy. Right now my 13 is getting a change every other day because I tore the tank down and started over so basically doing a fish in cycle. I do my 40 one day and my 65 another. My 40 breeder with my Black Moors takes the longest because they are messy little critters and it takes a while to clean. I'm still doing the siphon with the buckets, but looking into a pump because I hate refilling with the buckets.

 

I have a 5 and 55. The 5 has just 3 cherry shrimp and a lot of ramshorn snails. The 55 is a planted community. I clean them on different days once a week. I'll clean the canister on a different day every month or 2. I clean the tanks with buckets.

 

My python doesn't fit on my water facet. I will get the sink changed out sometime in next year or so, so I make due. ( new sink means new counter which means new dish washer- so yeah waiting for now, lol)

36 bow front (silver dollars) & 38 rectangle (community tank) get water changes Mon, weds & friday - generally 10%
betta tanks - 6 gal, 6 gal, 5 gal, 10 gal & 10 gallon snail tank - 1x a week
20 gallon sorority is every other day, but usually 2x a week.

other 20 gallon tall is my catfish - they like a mess so I play it by how it looks. I always do 1x a week water change, but if tank looks iffy, I do it sooner.

Today I changed out 2/3rd of his water because I wanted a deep clean on it - extra vaccumming , fix his plants because he uproots them and added Pristine just in case because he is big and only has 3 plants. I feed him kale but he still eats his plants and mouths them. oh well. he's happy even though tank is mess. catfish, *sigh* he doesn't understand aesthetics.

oh and start of month means clean decor, so water changes got from 1 hour to 2.5 hours

 

My 36 bowfront is on Saturdays. Tomorrow is the 10G quarantine. Tuesday is my 10G Papua New Guinea tank (just Gertrudae and peacock gudgeons). Thursday is a co-worker's betta tank. Friday is my 20 Long. I have a a cycling 75G so that leaves one open day left.

 

I usually change them whenever I feel each tank needs it. My smaller tanks 10 gallons and under I will change at the same time since their all next to eachother. I usually don’t remember the last time I changed the tanks water or forget so I mostly go off the tanks water and dirty ness.
I recently got a python cleaner and it’s so much easier to clean my tanks and not so dreadful.

I've had most my tanks/ cycles over a year and their just now settling down with algae problems and other water issues which is really nice, I dont feel the need to clean each tank weekly and now do it more around two-three weeks.