Can you lower the water level......

[Kindredspirit]

I was wondering if you could lower a tank's water level when treating with meds in order to use less of the medication?

Does that make any sense? And if it is possible, and you were suppose to do a 50% wc.....every day....but you only have half to begin with....wouldnt leave much ...********!.....confusing myself here!

Thanks~


Marie ~ http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/16/16_4_10.gif

[Dood Lee]

You can. Just make sure that you know how much water is in the tank after you drain part of it. You have a 55 gallon correct? If possible, try to get a bucket that holds an exact measurement of water (for example, 2 gallons). It makes it easier when you need to know how much water to drain.

[traco]

Yes, you can lower your water level. It works better if you have only sponge filters in tank as I found my Penguin hang on back too short for the intake pipe and it would cavitate. My Aqua Clear I can go way lower than the Penguin. And it sure does save $$$$$ when you have a 90 gallon.

[Kindredspirit]

You can. Just make sure that you know how much water is in the tank after you drain part of it. You have a 55 gallon correct? If possible, try to get a bucket that holds an exact measurement of water (for example, 2 gallons). It makes it easier when you need to know how much water to drain.


Okay....and yes I have a 55gal....good memory ~ I will just put this out there ~ what do I have to lose....

Today is the 5th day of treatment...and I wanted to take half out .....but that would leave 25gal....so how could I do a 50% wc from that point on? Could I still do that? Would not leave much for them , til I filled it back up...and I do not want to add any more stress.... And if I may .....It is time to clean my filters as I do it monthly, shld one skip that when treating with meds?


Hey Barb ~ Thanks, woman....good to know ~ thought of that too!



Marie ~ http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/16/16_4_10.gif

[pcsb23]

Marie,

You can go very low with the water level if you want, the discus will lie down. So if you want to do a 50% change on the remaining 25galls go ahead they should be fine. When adding the water back start it off slowly so as not bump the fish around too much. I point the hose straight down, seems to cause the least probs.

I would still clean your filters if they are due for a clean. I don't skip that sort of maintenance.

[Kindredspirit]

Thank You Paul!!

[Kindredspirit]

Thank you everyone!!! Wonder why this subject isnt touched on more?? It is a good thing to know esp if you are counting your pennies~



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Marie ~

[Dave C]

You can & you should lower the water level. It saves bucks and makes w/c a lot easier... well smaller. But be aware that over time heaters seem to get stuck at a certain point and can cook your fish in no time if you suddenly make heaters that were keeping 90g of water at 86ºF work on only 30g. Couple that with a typical increase in desired temp while treating with meds and you've got a good chance at heating issues.

[traco]

Dave C, that is good to know about the heaters. Thanks for that info.:)

[RyanH]

My only hospital tank right now is a 29 tall. If I get an outbreak with a group of adults, they aren't going to be crammed into a 29 gallon tank. I'd definately just lower the water level while medicating.

This can also help with your O2 levels if you have a HTB power filter dumping water back into the tank.

[Kindredspirit]

Wow Guys! I'm thinking I shld wait a little longer before starting, incase i get more useful info???


Ryan ~ Thank You ~ I have never seen this topic come up ~ But then again ....all my problems only started......


Dave ~ Thanks, as Barb said, really good to know ~ That was actually going to be another question.....


How much lower wld you guys lower the water level in a 55 and a 30...cover all my basis for future knowledge! And I should obviously turn the heaters down....I was thinking half on both tanks, for the water level.....whatcha think? I guess one shld go as far as the intake allow....to keep the filters running? Does the water have to be exact? I have a bucket that says 2 on the bottom, for gallons I assume....but never assume....lol!


Marie ~ http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/16/16_4_10.gif

[Kindredspirit]

I wanted to thank April for this idea!! I was reading somewhere recently where she suggested to a member to lower the water level to treat in order to save meds and money ~


Great suggestion! Does everyone do this?? I must be outta that loop ~



Marie ~ http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/16/16_4_10.gif

[RyanH]

How much lower wld you guys lower the water level in a 55 and a 30...cover all my basis for future knowledge! And I should obviously turn the heaters down....I was thinking half on both tanks, for the water level.....whatcha think? I guess one shld go as far as the intake allow....to keep the filters running? http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/16/16_4_10.gif [/CENTER]

Just move the heaters toward the bottom and keep them horizontal. Then they aren't exposed to the air. Lower the water as much as you can without interrupting the syphon on your filters.

[traco]

Yep, as low as you can go. Are you treating two tanks? No wonder you asked about lowering the water levels! A lot of money for meds.

[Kindredspirit]

No, Barb, I am not treating two tanks, silly!! Only one ~



Thanks, again, Ryan!



Marie ~ http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/16/16_4_10.gif