Doing the water changes

Hi,

this is how i do it.

I use filter pads to scrub the tank sides, airline tubing, heater cords.........

I noticed that the tubing gets lots of slime ( don't know why)

So i go from tank to tank doing this and by the time i am done with the last one, most of the debris is settled on the bottom.

I use a large hose to drain the tanks.

I have a valve at the end so that i can keep the syphon going.

Next it is time to squeeze the sponges in a bucket with water from the tank.

This is what it looks like after i am through with all of the tanks

Now i put the sponges back and i am ready to fill.

And i am done for today


alex

[Jeff]

Alex. Do you use a different sponge for each tank to wipe the glass, and do you squeeze all the sponges in the same bucket or rinse them in there as well. I'm just thinking of keeping things seperate so you minimize cross contamination in your tanks. Especially during the QT period. Other than that looks great.

[paulmat]

Good routine Alex
I do agree with Jeff about seperate cleaner sponges though.
Better safe than sorry.
Paul

[DarkDiscus]

I also agree with the separate equipment particularly for QT tanks, though absolute separation can be really tough, especially in a fish room. Other than that - it's great to have a system that works!

John

Point taken.

I have some fish coming next week and i will assign a seperate sponge and a separate bucket for that tank.

But....it is really hard for me to keep everything seperate.

Do i have to wash my hands before i go from tank to tank?

I guess i have to assign a seperate net, cleaning pad, bucket per each aquarium.

thanks

alex

[pops]

ck www.drsfostersmith.com. thay have gloves that come up to your armpit. 1-$3.69 3+ $3.29ea. most online supplers have them.
good luck ;D ;D

[Jeff]

Alex,

Going from the QT fish to your others washing your arms and hands is a must. And yes seperate sponge pads, nets, hoses, etc. must also be used. After the QT period it will become less important.

thanks

alex,

thats a cool set up you got there! nice fish as well! do you have syphone hose for each tank as well or do you go tank to tank with it? if so do you clean it after every use? otherwise your doing everything great.

mike heppner

[Carol_Roberts]

Nice photo essay, Alex!
It initiated a great discussion with lots of cleaning tips.

I have my QT tank in the kitchen with all it's own stuff - including water barrel and hoses.

The discus in my bedroom and bathroom have all lived here for more than 6 months. I use 2 sponge brushs, 2 water barrels and 2 hoses in those tanks. I'm not as careful with these tanks and probably by now they all share the same germs ;D I'm very carefull to wash my hands and keep equipment seperate from these tanks other tanks in my house.

I guess what I'm trying to say is . . . . vigilance is most important with new fish and you can relax more over time as long as all your fish are healthy

Everyone thanks for the help

For me it is hard to keep everything seperate.

I now understand the importance of keeping the QT seperate from the rest of the hatchery. From now on i will assign seperate equipment per each QT tank.

For the rest, i guess i have to take my chances, but i've never had problems so far.

As far as the hose issue, what would be a good way to sterilize it before i can use it?

I think i will buy a hose only for the QT section....it is easier.

thanks

alex