Changing the water question

[Zandy94]

Hi all!

I only have one aquarium as I'm a newbie at this. I want to know what is the best way to change the water with chemicals. Basically, do I add the chemicals (tap safe/heavy metal etc remover) when the fresh water is in the bucket and mix it for a while? Or can I add it in the tank small bit by bit and just add the chems to the filter? How do you change your water so that it is treated and safe for your Axi? Cheers!

 

[snuggly time]

Hi,

I add dechlorinator to my water as I'm filling the bucket up in the sink. It will mix in as the water is filling up. I then try let the water sit for a day or two before I add it to the tank.

 

[mewsie]

Definitely add the dechlorinator in the bucket!

Chlorine is designed to kill bacteria, but we want the good bacteria in our tanks to live, happily (I like to think they're happy) turning ammonia into nitrite for the fella who turn the nitrite into nitrate.

If you regularly add the untreated water to your tank, you can damage your biological cycle and end up in a perpetual cycle of high ammonia > water change > kill good bacteria that would reduce the ammonia and water changes.

Also, chlorine isn't particularly nice on your axolotls skin, for however a small time period.

Leaving the water aging in the bucket overnight if you have the time is also good for dissipating gasses which at very high levels (this is unusual) can be harmful to your axolotl.

I have 5 aquariums though... That'd be a lot of buckets sitting out in my lounge! I always have one somewhere though, for emergencies!

 

[auntiejude]

I have 5 aquariums though...

Only 5?! You're not trying hard enough...

I got hubby to set me up with an electric pump (I have 6 axie tanks and a fish tank!) so I can pump old water directly out (to a water butt for the garden) and fresh water back in. I use 30L plasterers buckets and they stay in the kitchen.

But yes, ALWAYS dechlorinate your water before you add it to your tank. Standing only allows chlorine to dissipate and temp to equalize, chloramines and heavy metals are still present in the water.

 

[mewsie]

Only 5?! You're not trying hard enough...

I KNOW.

I try to tell people that 5 aquariums, 4 terrariums and 17 guitars and a screen printing studio is not nearly enough for a Cotswolds cottage.

But apparently we need furniture.

Ain't no time for sitting!