New 55 gallon tank...am I stuck with buckets?

So I've got a water change question.

I'm setting up a 55 gallon tank, which is HUUUUGE for me, but I can't put it anywhere near a sink. Are there any tips you can give a guy who's about to be filling up six five gallon buckets every week?

 

did you look into the 50ft Aqueon water changer?

 

+1 for water changer... I have the Aqueon, now that I have it,I would just build my own... The internal diameter of the hose is too small... Takes a while to change the water. A larger diameter would mean faster flow... Anyway, forget the buckets and get a water changer!

 

I'm not even sure if my aquarium is 50 feet away from my sink. I think it might be more.

How do you use the declorinator when you water change that way? I put the declorinator in my bucket, fill it up, and then add bucket of water to the tank. How do you use sink water changer in combination with declorinator?

 

The python water changer offers extention hoses to make theirs longer....

And I treat the whole tank with dechlorinator...not just the amount of water added.

 

The python water changer offers extention hoses to make theirs longer....

And I treat the whole tank with dechlorinator...not just the amount of water added.

But wouldn't you be adding too much that way?

 

But wouldn't you be adding too much that way?

I use seachem prime, and you can't overdose on that. Many many people use the python water changer and that's how they do it as well. It's an awesome invention and I don't know how I would live without it!

 

I find buckets to be safest over tap water straight into tank. But I do use the extender and hose to remove water and fill buckets that are on an end table near the tank so they don't have to be carried across the room.

 

Don't forget the rolling dollies, if you use buckets!

 

I got the Python 25 foot water change system and then bought the 10 foot extension and it does the job with my 65 gallon! A little slower to drain than fill. It siphons off the water by hooking it up to the sink faucet. Simple easy setup and to use!

 

The Python comes with extenders and can be made pretty long. I know we had a VERY long python when I worked at the pet store. Also, I use seachem Prime and the directions say if you are using buckets to treat the bucket and add it to the tank, but if you are using a water changer directly from the sink to treat the whole tank just before adding the water back in. So, no worries about adding too much--it is just fine that way.

 

Python water change is worth it's weight in gold

 

Looks like the python is a water bed fill/drain kit with potable water hose.

 

I think if you dose the tank with water conditioner before you start adding water back it is the safest way. I usually change out 20 gallons and dose for about 30 so there is a little extra. The reaction to detoxify chlorine happens almost instantly, I have checked my tank when refilling with chlorine strips (pool type). I can see chlorine in the tap water, but never seen any in the tank while refilling.

 

Looks like the python is a water bed fill/drain kit with potable water hose.

Yes... I have wondered why my water changer cost so much (Aqueon brand)... The hosing is what gets you though... The Aqueon tubing isn't very wide, I wish it had a larger inner diameter for faster flow.

 

Any one used both waterbed and aqueon water changer will know the difference. Have both love aqueon. Yeah that aqueon plastic is way over prized, but alternative of it sucks.

I have tanks at ground level below the sink level. May be you can get away of the tank is high enough to get gravity do the rest.

 

I purchased a garden hose and an adaptor for my sink for it. My tanks are near a window so I use a regular gravel siphon and water the plants directly!

 

I also use the python. It's magnificent because I connect it to my sink and put water directly into the tank with a 'hook' attachment. I add the Prime while the water is coming out. You take the water out at the sink as well and it goes down the drain.