Member

Posts: 10
From:
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 08-23-2003 06:56 PM         

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how do i do this 20% water change? can i just get a cup and take scoops out the replaces it?

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Moderator

Posts: 806
From:
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 08-24-2003 12:42 AM         

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When doing your water changes you want to siphon the water from the bottom of the tank to remove as much waste from the gravel as possible. They make a siphon hose that has a larger tube on one end, roughly 6" long by approximately 2" in diameter. With that type siphon, you shove the large tube into the gravel and the effect of the siphon turns the gravel over, releasing the trapped debris (waste) and allows it to siphon out. You will want to keep moving that tube to all areas of the gravel. Hope this helps.

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Member

Posts: 10
From:
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 08-24-2003 10:17 AM         

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how much is that

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Member

Posts: 200
From:canada
Registered: May 2003

posted 08-24-2003 03:33 PM         

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about 10 - 15 bucks get a good one one you dont have to suck on to start the water.
i got a good one its worth it.
they make battery powered ones too.

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Member

Posts: 266
From:Canada
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 09-04-2003 01:22 PM         

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While the battery operated ones are easier, you don't have to actually suck on the siphon to make it work. Simply submerse the hose in the water until it has filled, plug the hose end with your thumb and place that end in your bucket. When you let go with your thumb, gravity and negative pressure will do the rest. I think my cleaner was about $8 Canadian.
As an aside, remember to actually remove 20% of the water every once in a while. I live in an arid region and friends of mine were just refilling what had evaporated. This isn't very effective for removing nitrates though.

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