How We Do Water Changes | Tips & Tricks
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This video shows how we do water changes across all of our aquariums. We use the python water changer, which saves a ton of time and hassle throughout the process. We show some tips on how to use this system in different scenarios. We aren't sponsored by any of these brands - these products have just worked well for us.
If you're interested in any of the products we use in this video, feel free to check out the Amazon affiliate links below:
- Python: amzn.to/3a17dbb
- Python Hook: amzn.to/3c4WeyK
- Python Gravel Tube: amzn.to/2JWh0V8
- Python Universal Adapter: amzn.to/2y5Ei8w
- Submersible Pump: amzn.to/2XtEsBp
- Seachem Safe: amzn.to/2JZTbfa
Thanks for watching, and we'll see you next week!
Пікірлер: 149
I have to say Ciclid bros & Prime Time Aquatics have taught me so much about aquariums and inspired me to make South American aquariums like you guys! Class act lads! 👌🏻👍🏻
Love the python! Makes my water changes so much faster and cleaner
@CichlidBros
4 жыл бұрын
Carlos Manuel Gonzalez completely agree! Thanks for watching
Tanks look great! Water changes isn’t my favorite part but they are very important.
Good stuff as always, Bro's! The Python system is mandatory for any serious fish keeper. Glad you guys are staying busy keep the videos coming and stay safe.
@CichlidBros
4 жыл бұрын
Definitely agree. Thank you!
Wow thanks for all the tips! Great video
@CichlidBros
4 жыл бұрын
No problem, and thank you!
Thanks for the tips on getting a pump and on how to store the long hose. I just got a 75ft Python for Mother's Day and I'm trying to figure out the best way to store it. Plus the thought of wasting all that water when draining the tank had me worried. I'll be investing in a pump next.
Beautiful tanks....thanks for the tips.
@CichlidBros
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! And anytime 👍🏻
Cool tips bro! Rambo looks fierce lol
@CichlidBros
4 жыл бұрын
KaveMan Aquatics haha yep 😂. Thanks for watching!
You bros are soo informative 👏
@CichlidBros
3 жыл бұрын
Glad it’s helpful!
I definitely need to invest in one. Dope tanks 🔥
@CichlidBros
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you! It’s well worth it in my opinion 👍🏻
i actually just bought the pump to make it easier to do water changes, thanks for the tip.
@CichlidBros
3 жыл бұрын
You’re welcome. Enjoy!
Thanks it's much better than carrying buckets.👍
@CichlidBros
4 жыл бұрын
No problem 👍
Good idea!
@CichlidBros
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
I have a 150g tank but it is one floor level above my basement utility sink. I drilled a hole in the floor for the Python so I do not need to run water to get a good fast flow going.
i keep seeing people use python when water changing, and it seems super helpful. but my question is, if my house has water softener, would it be bad to connect it to the tap? do i need to use the tab from like the garden which isnt connected to the water softener?
I have used a Python for years and have had my fair share of accidents due to distractions that made me forget I was filling and overflowed onto the floor. I love it for extracting water but I rarely use it to refill because of temperature. Instead, I use a 5gallon pale and a thermometer to be sure the new water matches the temp of the tank water. The finger test can be off by a lot, my finger cannot tell the difference between 77 degrees that I keep my tanks at and 88 degrees which is way too warm.
Thanks for the great video! Do you ever have trouble with the suction on the python when the tank is lower than the sink level? How go you handle this? Any suggestions on gravel vac with low sucking pressure
@AlejandroRamirez-fn9im
3 жыл бұрын
You might wanna add a water pump to it. Thats how i did it on mine i have a 75 sitting in the ground
I might have to pick up a python. I'm tired of getting a mouth full of dirty tank water from manually starting the siphon 😂
@CichlidBros
4 жыл бұрын
Haha definitely. I honestly don’t know what we’d do without it. Using buckets for 75g+ tanks would be exhausting
@jefferymyers4881
3 жыл бұрын
Eeewwwwwwaaa😁
@jeffb5785
2 жыл бұрын
I have both the Python clean and fill that attaches to the sink and the other that you say you get water in your mouth. I never get water in my mouth, usually, one soft suck on the tube and the siphon will start, it only takes a split second to move the tube to the bucket.
Nice. I like your setups
@CichlidBros
4 жыл бұрын
Griffin Fish Room thanks!
@GriffinFishAndExotics
4 жыл бұрын
You welcome
Thank you
I'm in the UK and kept fish for over 30 year never heard of a python cleaner till this year then saw its what I made over 10 years ago for about £10 from a bit of hosepipe, tap attachment and push fits also have an old pond pump to drain with maybe I should of copyright it back then 😂
@CichlidBros
4 жыл бұрын
Jonathan Green haha nice. You would’ve made a fortune
@11:47 What is the black wavy substrate at the bottom? I’ve seen it in white also!
What is your pip work called for your water changes.the thing that goes on your taps. Plz. I could do with one of them. Thank you.
Where do you plug the Python pump (tube) to?
Cool bro 👍
@CichlidBros
4 жыл бұрын
Joe Munoz thanks!
Have you ever heard if anyone saying their water pressure isn’t high enough for the siphon function to work? I had an aqueon water changer similar to this and I couldn’t get it to siphon. But I could get it to fill.
What is the hose that connects the pump to the python?
I have a modern faucet. Would this work?
This video is going to change my life! Can you explain the purpose of using the Submersible Pump instead of the gravel vac included with the kit? Thanks! keep up the good work!
@CichlidBros
3 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful! Adding the pump speeds up the draining by quite a bit and you don’t need the faucet on to keep the suction. Saves time and some water, which is nice if you have a large tank
@InYourCorner73
3 жыл бұрын
@@CichlidBros Awesome, thanks for the explanation, I imagine that would help with the hydro bill too! I just purchased a new home and got myself a 90l Aquarium to go with it. Very excited. Is there a way to tell which pump would be good for aquarium use? the one linked in the description is $35 shipping to Canada :( Is this a similar product? www.amazon.ca/Pawfly-Submersible-Fountain-Aquarium-Certification/dp/B01MZI9MI1/ref=sr_1_13?crid=2C77NJL0HZRE8&dchild=1&keywords=submersible+water+pump&qid=1623685294&sprefix=sub%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-13
If you found this video helpful, you may want to check out our more recent post, which adds a twist to our water change process. Hint: it's an even quick way of doing things! Check it out below! kzread.info/dash/bejne/iHtoqLGgd92wiaQ.html
Troy, that beard!! I’m jealous!
@CichlidBros
4 жыл бұрын
NW Aquahobby haha thanks man! Just letting it go while in quarantine
Nice
Great video! But I wonder how do you clean the filter? Since you get rid of all the tank water instantly. I normally clean the sponges inside the filter in the water I take out of the tank. Would love to know how you do it!
@denisgonzalezblandon1538
Жыл бұрын
Just fill a bucket with the aquarium water, don't need much
Great video bro! Do you have a link for the hosing on that pump? I'm assuming that's a female connector at the end right? I feel SOL since I just invested in a python and hook but I'm looking for a solution to validate my purchase and reduce the amount of wasted water when draining. The fill up isn't too bad as I do my aquarium maintenance/cleaning when refilling.
@prestonj6263
2 жыл бұрын
The hosing on the pump that gets detached prior to the python hook at 7:50
Sir i use borewell water, the TDS is too high in my tank water, any natural way to reduce tds, or any other chemical comes in market - TIA
What internal diameter is the clear hose?
I have a question, i saw that you added the water conditioner before adding in the tap water is that how i should be doing it??
@CichlidBros
10 ай бұрын
Before or as it fills will both work fine
Have you tried to use a small pump in-line with the python for more suc, pressure
@CichlidBros
2 жыл бұрын
Yep, I’ve added it to my process lately
What about cleaning the substrate?
So does just the python come with everything I'll need to fill and drain a tank or
@CichlidBros
Жыл бұрын
Yep. Just need a sink to attach too
Can you help me? I’m having trouble unscrewing the gold part of the python off the faucet . It’s super tight and I can’t get it oht
Nice cleaning
@CichlidBros
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
So silly question, I just set up a 125 maybe 2 weeks ago, u bought about 60 feeder goldfish to help cycle it before I get my central American cichlids. I'm still have high ammonia levels,. I haven't done a water change yet I felt it was too early, but the last few days I've been losing goldfish like crazy. I've also used seachem bacteria start to help cycle. Should I do a water change to help get ammonia levels under control, or is it to early?
@stoneysscapes7544
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah was the answer , have you learned how to start a nitrogen cycle yet ? The starting up process can vary but it's simple and worth the time it takes to learn , so one day you can safely add anything to a new setup ! Got to have a way to test the water , In my opinion 2 is better for beginners and most pet stores will test your water for free . A API test kit will give the most precise reading if your still reading ......
Hello again brothers, what do you do with the chlorine that comes out of the tap and goes into your aquarium? Even though you've added to seek him to it before you put the tap water in doesn't it kill some of the beneficial bacteria? also I have been afraid of running directly from the top because the water here in Plymouth Mass has a pH of over 8.6. any thoughts are suggestions from your experience? Thank you Love your stuff guys!
@CichlidBros
4 жыл бұрын
Hey there. We haven’t had any issues adding directly to the tank and added Prime as it fills, which doesn’t seem to kill off the bacteria. Some people are extra cautious and treat new water in a separate bin/bucket before adding. That’s probably your best bet, especially if you’re after a specific PH
@markmmcaulay
4 жыл бұрын
@@CichlidBros Thanks again Cichlid Bros. I truly appreciate your quick responses, thanks again!
What if I don’t have the same sink as you? Where I can screw on the python? My bathrooms nor kitchen sink have that
@CichlidBros
Жыл бұрын
There are other adapters for different faucets. Amazon has them most times
Nice way change water if you used power hand more power like 1000GPH much faster i do some
@CichlidBros
4 жыл бұрын
HOUSE OF CICHLIDS nice! We’re getting our biggest tank soon, so we’ll definitely want a powerful pump. Thanks for watching
I have a 75 gallon tank and I'm still scared of using the python hose 😆 I'm still using the bucket 🪣 system and I find it a good exercise to climb 🪜 up and down to remove and fill up water 💦 😆once a week for my 25% water change lol
yeah but what if you dont have enough water pressure to run all that hose plus the top of my tank is about 6.5 ft high??....like i went and got a 155gph pump but its still not strong enough to push water that high...where can i go to get a pump strong enough without breaking the bank??..ive already invested in several hundred dollars in this new setup..thanks in advance
Does it matter if your tank is on a lower floor than the sink? I am sure it's fine for filling but was curious about vacuuming
@CichlidBros
Жыл бұрын
It is usually fine as long as you keep the faucet on
@PopCopyManager
Жыл бұрын
@@CichlidBros thank you!
Okay so I’m new to large tanks, I just got a 75 gallon tank. When doing a water change it’s okay to put the water conditioner into the tank before filling the new water into the tank ? It’s easier to do it with my 10 gallon because I just throw prime into a bucket of water of the new water
@mellowsohype
3 жыл бұрын
Not sure if you’re going to see this but I hope you do !
@CichlidBros
3 жыл бұрын
Hey there. I usually put some Prime in right before the new water comes in and then a little more as it’s filling up. And I treat the full volume of the tank - not just the amount of water going in
@mellowsohype
3 жыл бұрын
@@CichlidBros thank you for that info, just don’t wanna mess anything up!
If you have a tub lower than your tank, just use the syphon. Saves water, and with my water pressure it's faster.
Do you add enough Prime or Safe just for the water you are adding or do you dose for the full 75 or 125 gallons?
@CichlidBros
Жыл бұрын
I does for full volume of tank
@enormity03
Жыл бұрын
@@CichlidBros thank you!
What part of the python do I hook my pump up to?
@stoneysscapes7544
2 жыл бұрын
It is simple ,where the gravel vac tube connects to the hose. Just pull off the tube & some pumps you will need an adaptor to fit the Python tubing @ Home Depot etc
How long does it take to drain the tank from full to the level in the video?
@CichlidBros
2 жыл бұрын
About 20 minutes on the 75 gallon
Do you need to leave the water running from the tap while its draining?
@CichlidBros
3 жыл бұрын
It does make the draining go faster, but you waste more water. Adding a pump like Alec does helps with that scenario
How do u completly empty it on water in the hose? Because mine gets stuck
@CichlidBros
Жыл бұрын
Just keep the faucet running and let the hose drain after you take the end out of the tank
So once the suction starts do you turn the tap off???
@CichlidBros
3 жыл бұрын
You can to save water, although the flow does slow down some
here is my tip. Connect the python to your bath tub faucet it is lower than a sink connection, that way you can turn off the water from the tap and a natural syphon will occur saves water this way.......keep your tap running for a more powerful syphon to do a gravel (sand) clean. this tap off method maybe a little slower but it saves water.
I have a saltwater tank wish i could do this.
Prime for sure
Hey so your 180 is on a 2nd floor?
@CichlidBros
4 жыл бұрын
Nope, so I moved out of the apartment last month, and I just bought and setup the 180 in the basement of my new house. I still use the python for water changes on it ... I just add a submersible pump on the end to speed it up
No vacuuming tank?
@CichlidBros
3 жыл бұрын
I show that at 2:20
So is ok to treat the water as it enters the tank then, this will make it way easier
@CichlidBros
7 ай бұрын
Yep
My name's Troy🔥🔥🔥🔥👌👌👌
Every fish store worker, keeps telling me that you can't use tap water? Just like you did, does adding the chemicals first alow enough time for the chlorine to be gone?
@CichlidBros
Жыл бұрын
I add dechlorinator as the tank fills. Never had an issue
That is a lots of big fish in that one tank
@CichlidBros
2 жыл бұрын
Which tank? Since this video posted, we've upgraded almost every tank in terms of size
funny story I was filling up my tank and started doing some extra cleaning in the tank and flooded the tank and the stand, my mistake but I wont forget.
Your log in the tank looks like a dead lizard 😂 😝 anyone else?! 👀
So y’all can just put tap water in the tanks? I imagine it depends where we live?
@CichlidBros
Жыл бұрын
Tap water at the right temperature, along with dechlorinator, always works for us, and in most areas of the U.S. If you're on a well, it may be different
Dont you have to be careful not to lower the water level past where the water heater is at? Because if the heater isn't under water it can shatter. I've had it happen. Scared the crap out of me, sounded like a explosion lol
Awww I have to do water changes jk.
you have to turn on the water from the sink during draining tank water ? Water ‘s bill is so.... 😥
@CichlidBros
3 жыл бұрын
Yep, the water starts the siphon. You can turn off the faucet once it’s going, but the flow will be slower. Best way around this is getting a pump on one end of the python
@stoneysscapes7544
2 жыл бұрын
Watch the video again , try to read some other comments & make an informed decision
These are fine for filling, but they waste far to much water for draining. You have to leave your faucet running in order for it to create the syphon needed to pull water from the tank. No thank you. a submersible pump or transfer pump does the same task with out all the waste. Costs you more money initially for the pump, but you save money on your water bill especially for someone like me that has (2) 75 gallon tanks, a 55 gallon, and 2 (20) gallon tanks.
@CichlidBros
2 жыл бұрын
We now use pumps, Sicce ultra zeros
The python seems kinda useless unless your tank is very close to your sink
@CichlidBros
2 жыл бұрын
That’s actually the main benefit. You can be far away from the sink and not have the lug buckets. In my house now, the tanks are even further away from the sink than my apartment in this video, and the Python extension makes it quick and easy
@jasper___jones7198
2 жыл бұрын
@@CichlidBros Over £100 in the U.K. seems a bit steep
unfortunately you need the correct taps for the python system not everyone has them use a water pump instead
@CichlidBros
Жыл бұрын
I’d rather change out the tap then
Ok 55 gal
What a waste of water to create a constant suction. Get a pump dude.
@CichlidBros
4 жыл бұрын
Joel we have one for the 125 which is towards the end of the video, and the water isn’t on long during the draining of the other tanks. Thanks for watching
@leefamily9000
4 жыл бұрын
I saw that I’m referring to your other tanks. Even with a 75 gallon tank using the python the way you did without the pump wastes a lot of water.
@izhar4547
4 жыл бұрын
Wouldn't a simple siphon with an extended hose do the same thing? Just get the siphon going and hold the hose to the drain. Depending on the height of the tank you could take the hose to the bathtub drain if the sink is higher.
@stoneysscapes7544
2 жыл бұрын
Really , really 🙄
I tried this and killed half my fish because of the chlorine in the water. Now I fill buckets and let the water sit for a day before using for my tank.
@CichlidBros
4 жыл бұрын
Sorry to hear. Making sure to use dechlorinator like Prime or Safe has worked best for us. But the bucket method should work for you 👍🏻
@izhar4547
4 жыл бұрын
@@CichlidBros it happened before you posted your video but the lesson learned was valuable. Now I let the water sit and also add dechlorinator and bring the new water temp up to the aquarium before doing changes. Thanks.
@RaciouS91
2 жыл бұрын
How much is ur water change?
@izhar4547
2 жыл бұрын
@@RaciouS91 50% every 2 weeks
@RaciouS91
2 жыл бұрын
@@izhar4547 I think 50% is too much. It could change ur overall parameter. Maybe just 10-20% per week or 30% for 2 weeks. Just do the water changes. Then u'll see the pattern.
I can't listen to educational videos with music in the background
@CichlidBros
Жыл бұрын
Then don’t watch 🤷🏻♂️
@Drpepper7916
Жыл бұрын
@@CichlidBros ouch, maybe this is aimed at the younger audience