Multi-tank Water Changes

How do folks handle the multi-tank water changes to avoid cross contamination? I've got a Python water change system and I'm wondering if I need a whole second system for a second tank and third tank and so on. While the cost isn't ridiculous, the number of hoses running across my kitchen would be insane and make changing water a plumbing fiasco.

Is it ok to just use separate vacuuming ends (the part that goes from the shut off valve at the output end of the hose in to the tank) for each tank? And then flush hot water through the hose before filling each tank? It just seems ridiculous that I have to have a completely separate water change system for each tank (which seems to be the internet recommendation).

 

If all of your tanks are healthy I can see no reason to have a separate python or equipment for each of them.

 

I use the same one for all my tanks. I rinse it ( kinda of quick) between tanks. I guess if I had disease issues in a tank I would sanitize it in bleach before using it in another.

 

How do folks handle the multi-tank water changes to avoid cross contamination? I've got a Python water change system and I'm wondering if I need a whole second system for a second tank and third tank and so on. While the cost isn't ridiculous, the number of hoses running across my kitchen would be insane and make changing water a plumbing fiasco.

Is it ok to just use separate vacuuming ends (the part that goes from the shut off valve at the output end of the hose in to the tank) for each tank? And then flush hot water through the hose before filling each tank? It just seems ridiculous that I have to have a completely separate water change system for each tank (which seems to be the internet recommendation).

I just use a separate siphon attachment for emptying each tank but the same drainage tubing. I use a completely different hose for filling the tanks directly fron the faucet and the same python hook on that hose for filling all the tanks. So dirty equipment from water in one tank never touches water in another tank.
My python hook never touches the tank water when filling (except for a little splashing) because I lift it out at the end to finish topping off the tank. I then just rinse everything with fresh water and hang it outside to drain and dry.

 

If all of your tanks are healthy I can see no reason to have a separate python or equipment for each of them.

All of my tanks were healthy...until one wasn't.

I just use a separate siphon attachment for emptying each tank but the same drainage tubing. I use a completely different hose for filling the tanks directly fron the faucet and the same python hook on that hose for filling all the tanks. So dirty equipment from water in one tank never touches water in another tank.
My python hook never touches the tank water when filling (except for a little splashing) because I lift it out at the end to finish topping off the tank. I then just rinse everything with fresh water and hang it outside to drain and dry.

I think this makes sense. Have one dirty discharge line and one clean fill line. Thanks!

 

All of my tanks were healthy...until one wasn't.

Hopefully you discovered the one that now isn't before transferring whatever it is over to your other tanks.

 

I keep a sick syphon ! It can be bleached or discarded..I mainly use a couple but make sure if anything is questionable they do not share till I feel all is clear..
I have added several new fish this year that did not get added to other fish but eventually found their way into the good group syphon..Cross contamination is a slippery slope !
Having more then one syphon is something every should have and hopefully never need !

 

Hopefully you discovered the one that now isn't before transferring whatever it is over to your other tanks.

I did, thankfully. I changed the water in the healthy tank first and then did the unhealthy one.

 

I did, thankfully. I changed the water in the healthy tank first and then did the unhealthy one.

that's what I do. we put the hose and stuff out in the sun in between water changes, and when I think some might be sick, we rinse it out with salt and chlorinated water and change it last. i've googled about how to sanitize but mostly what i've found is 'have one for each tank' and that's not happening cuz the python takes up a lot of storage space as it is.

interested in what other people do, tho.

 

I am still old school LOL. I don't have a python I use buckets and each of my 14 tanks has its own siphon. thou they do share a siphon starter ball ( no sucking on the hoses for me) Cross contamination still worries me years after starting this hobby as I have dealt with some nasty diseases. Only because of having separate siphons that it didn't spread. The largest tank I have are 2 55 gallons, anything bigger and I would seriously think about a python as that is many many buckets to change.

 

I use the same dirty drain hose for all my tanks. I use a separate siphon head for each tank (just connect each head to the hose as I go) and I use a separate 'clean' hose with python hook to fill. Hook and clean hose never come in contact with tank water so never becomes contaminated.

 

I run separate equipment for my quarantine tank, and run the other 22 tanks as a single system with the same draining and filling equipment.

I have had contamination of my fish room on a couple of occasions, and the causes were related to trying to cut corners on quarantine. Whenever I use medication, I use it on all my tanks. As long as I'm diligent and pay attention, the quarantine system is the firewall that won't let contamination into my fish room.

I just use a separate siphon attachment for emptying each tank but the same drainage tubing. I use a completely different hose for filling the tanks directly fron the faucet and the same python hook on that hose for filling all the tanks. So dirty equipment from water in one tank never touches water in another tank.
My python hook never touches the tank water when filling (except for a little splashing) because I lift it out at the end to finish topping off the tank. I then just rinse everything with fresh water and hang it outside to drain and dry.

The python hook doesn't need to come into contact with the tank water to cross contaminate. If you're hanging the hook on an aquarium, the hook will pick up diseases and parasites from contact with the sides of the tank, whether it hits the water or not.

 

I run separate equipment for my quarantine tank, and run the other 22 tanks as a single system with the same draining and filling equipment.

I have had contamination of my fish room on a couple of occasions, and the causes were related to trying to cut corners on quarantine. Whenever I use medication, I use it on all my tanks. As long as I'm diligent and pay attention, the quarantine system is the firewall that won't let contamination into my fish room.



The python hook doesn't need to come into contact with the tank water to cross contaminate. If you're hanging the hook on an aquarium, the hook will pick up diseases and parasites from contact with the sides of the tank, whether it hits the water or not.

The tip doesn't come in contact with the tank. My tanks have a 1"rI'm that prevents that. As I said, the python and clean fill hose don't come in contact with any tank water. Just clean water coming out of the tip. When the water is approaching 4-5 inches from the top, I lift the python up, turn the flow up and finish filling. I'm an ex OR, ER, ICU, PACU, GI Lab RN. I KNOW how to control for sterile vs. clean vs. aseptic technique lol!
And I've never cross contaminated any tanks. I don't take shortcuts, don't need to, this system has worked great for 35+ years. Even before the NICE green python hooks I had a PVC 'hook' I'd made... should have patented THAT! LOL!