Five Tips for the Perfect Water Change [SIMPLE, FAST and EFFECTIVE]

My water change routine has changed and evolved over the years. In this video I share with you my current step-by-step tips for a perfect water change, every time. This method is fast, simple and gets the job done. I also get into my thoughts on the why we do water changes.
It's much more than just lowering nitrates! It benefits our fish in many other ways that I will cover in this video. I'll show you my entire weekly routine, step-by-step, including five tips that will ensure that you have healthy and happy fish!
How do you do your water changes? Share your routine below and any steps you think I might have left out or could do differently. We are always learning from each other on this channel! If you like the content of this channel and you are like me, always thirsty for more knowledge on how better care for our fish, why not hit that sub button and bell? Thanks!
Here are some links to products I've used and recommend. You get a great deal by using these links and you help the channel:
Filters:
Suggested Bio Media that I use in my canisters:
Chemical Filtration I've Used with Good Results:
Other items:
Heaters I use:
Recommended Meds to have on hand:
Water Treatment Products I Use & Recommend:
Aquarium Quick Start Products I Recommend:
For more fish keeping videos with tricks, tips and hacks, check out these playlists:
For "My Best Fish Keeping Tips" click here:
For tips and tricks with Fluval FX canister filters go here:
For tips and tricks with SunSun canister filters go here:
For videos on water changes and controlling nitrates, click here:
For videos on general canister filter maintenance, click here:
My Top 10 most popular videos of all time:

Shout-outs to Christopher Martin for the Cichlids & Coffee logo, to Sam Penny for the Youtube channel banner art and to Phil Griffiths for the dropping fish video, for putting Sam's artwork in the surf and for the channel icon! Never forget - you reading this - YOU ROCK!

[Bellthorian]

I have a 37 gallon bow front tank and I thought just adding water as it evaporated and cleaning the filter was all you needed to do. I got a mater test kit and my Nitrates were off the scale. The test sample was so blood red it didn't register on the card. I had to do 5 50% to 75% water changes syphoning the heck out of the gravel for the nitrates to drop between 10 to 15 PPM. I love channels like this that teach me so much about fish keeping.

[catfishcave]

I've watched 10 videos the last two days of yours and have been really enjoying your content. Lots of good tips that only experience can give you. (like heater placement, WC powerstrip) Nice work!

[philippietropaolo]

I joined your channel for the easy sound of your voice and your peaceful manner. I find your videos not only informative but extremely relaxing🐠🙏

[Bellthorian]

I am a disabled vet with a really bad back the best thing I ever got for water change day was the Hygger Bucket-Free Aquarium Water Change Kit. I picked this one over the Python because of cost and the fittings were brass not plastic. I do my water changes a little different. When draining the water I take my 50 foot hose out the front door and put the end in different parts of my front yard. Cleaning the tank creates a AMAZING natural fertilizer and makes my front lawn thick green and beautiful.

[Whey]

Yup! You nailed it again Ben! Very valuable content! More power to your channel!

[wb]

You are awesome! Thanks for the help and the tip at the end. Cheers from a fellow southern Californian!

[andrewdix]

I've learnt so much from watching your videos. Keep up the great content!

[killab]

Great video. Very helpful info. Inspired and motivated. Thank you!!👍🏼👍🏼

[kimmysmall]

I love that last statement end every video with that tip

[theresaabshire]

I love your beagles ! I have one also - His name is Pete. Love your videos !

[raisinggoldfishonabudget]

you have some really good tips for the fish keepers I have 6 tanks that are
a full days work doing all of them in a day but I keep up with them every month.

[robertwinkler]

Nice video, you’re right about not obsessing over every little thing. Enjoy your tank or tanks & fish👍🏻

[michaelhassan]

Nice videos thank you, too many other people speak like they're selling themselves more than just sharing info based off experience.

[supremecichlids]

Love the videos keep them up! I hope to have as many tanks and be as good of a fish keeper as you one day.👍👍

[frostiefrost]

I have a lazy pleco! Omg I thought I was the only one lol! Good thing my Chinese algae eaters do their job. My back was killing me too even though I'm only 30...the hose makes a world of difference. NICE video :)

[invain]

Nice!. Thanks for making your videos easy to understand and honest. I just subscribed!

[dennisruedel]

Great tips and overview on water changes Ben. The tanks and fish look fantastic. Today is my day to clean a long overdue canister maintenance which is the only thing I don’t like to do. The pups also look great. Thanks for sharing 👍.

[PaulBowen]

I asked for it and you made it, Thank you for the video Ben. I am of course devastated for you about the state of your weather lol, as over here in Kent in England its cold and raining. Thanks again

[gailandpetercook]

Fabulous tanks, fish look in great condition, thanks for all the great tips.

[Mr_HC]

Water changes indeed!!
Great information always ✌💜👍💪