Water Change [Several Tanks at the Same Time] - Avoid Making Deadly Mistakes by Doing This!

#waterchange
#multipletankwaterchanges
#africancichlids
#southamericancichlids
#newworldcichlids
#cichlids
#benochart
#stepbystepwaterchange

Water changes are vital for a variety of reasons. Doing a water change on a single tank is simple and straight forward. But what about when you have several tanks? Changing water in multiple tanks can result in the making of deadly mistakes. Missing a vital step can result in the fish becoming stressed or in some cases outright dying.

In this video I cover how I do multiple-tank water changes, step-by-step, and how I've set up my routine so vital steps are never missed and I can't get distracted or confused about what I’ve done or not done. As my number of tanks continue to grow, this will become more and more crucial.

Take a look and feel free to share your thoughts, tips and experiences below on the topic of water changes. We all learn from each other at this channel! And, of course, ALWAYS BE LEARNING!

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[naegwut]

Why is watching someone cleaning their fish tank so relaxing?

[DidisFINDen]

Love to see how others actually do the fish chores, not just repeating what they have heard.

[rae_ray]

Thank You once again for sharing your knowledge and understanding when it comes to aquariums. You’ve been a life saver

[mk_cichlids]

I always recommend using a longer section of tubing and draining outside, eliminating the need for buckets. Mine drains right into my lawn.

[joshhopper]

I'm thankful on the maintenance side I only have 1 tank. I got away from buckets once I bypassed 150 gallons. Now at a 300 gallon system I use an old sump pump and a hose to pump the water out in the yard (grass grows real green right there in the hot summer months). Since its acrylic I don't use a sponge to clean the panels for fear of picking up a piece of sand. I use a scrap piece of cotton batting that I use in my sump for mechanical filtration on a magnetic wipe and take it very slow then throw it away. I'll only vacuum if I have persistent build up. I like to rotate my power head around if I'm getting some trouble spots. In the future I would like to be plumbed into my drain and be able to do auto water changes. You should find a spot to turn 2 of those 4 foot tanks into an 8 foot tank. Your large cichlids with thankyou for it. I've also done some research on aquaponics to let plants take care of some of my filtration. Check out Goliad Farms and his greenhouse setup. Cant figure out how to make that look good in the house though.

[paulmccarthy]

Really like the way you done that so it is easier to keep track of what you have done. I do struggle with water temperature as it is so cold ware I live on times even when I check the water temperature I mach it up right but mine will fluctuate quite a bit unfortunately. I started do them when everyone goes out which helps. Got to say you keep those tanks spot less they really impressive Ben.

[adkgaladkgal]

Thank you that is a good way to do it. I have 2 tanks and 2 hoses so I empty one then fill it and off to the other, Empty 2nd one while first is filling. You are right, it would be easier to do them at the same step.I am going to try that so I know what I am doing. Thanks again

[terryw]

Awesome video Ben thanks for the tip on covering the siphon I always hate when I switch over the divider and have to restart the siphon. Always be learning 😉

[JustMyFish]

Very efficient Ben. 👍🏻 I do my maintenance and water change in a very similar way😊👍🏻💞

[Cichlid__ever]

Love your ob peacock. Looks like my skittles ob and man is he a gluten and happens to be the hierarchy in my tank great fish love em I feel
Like I’m watching my water changes love it!!!

[ghos]

'Municipal' River Source 'Soft' water here (pH 6.2-6.4). They pre-treat first with a volatile Exothermic Sodium Hydroxide reaction. (Supposedly to help extend the life of the Piping Network.) then Chlorinate. - This frees up Water Soluble Carbon and raises the pH to about 8.6 at the tap. ..The Piping Network however, breaks at virtually the same place near here about 4 times a year. (The last time about a week ago, which they claimed was a loaded dump truck running over that road section causing the pipe to break -again. The influx of the imbalance of soil nutrients caused an outbreak of BBA.) I address the water soluble Carbon balance by cutting with R/O to achieve target pH parameters, dose with appropriate amount of Prime, then Pre Age in 7 Gallon 'Aqutainers' with cap off for about three days before using. Which allows for both proper dehalogenation, as well as acclimation to room temperature. - Cold Water Fresh Water fish - If you have ever drained a Hot water heater of the sediment and mineralization build up (Typically Hardened Lime) which one is supposed to do about once a year, you would understand why I would never use water from a Hot Water tank to adjust the Water Temperature going into an Aquarium. Then there are the Ions from the Sacrificial Anode Rod, Depending upon whether an Aluminum or magnesium rod is being used. (the Aluminum Ions might potentially cause some issues.)

[GSP-]

Ben, you could do with an auto water change system... especially with 4-5 tanks.

[matthewwest]

Don't be shy with that gravel vac Ben lol. I whip the lids of and siphon into a bucket too. Wish i had a way around that but its the best way to save the sand. Not sure if i could handle that long vacuum though. Not enough pull for my liking. Nice watch too, product placement i wonder?

[FLNYFish]

Great video. 👍 you treat directly into tank prior to filling. I will save so much time. Thank you...

[terryw]

When I transferred the hose from one tank to the next I put the hose into a bucket and move to the next tank rather than going and turning it off my hose is 50 feet from the faucet to my farthest away tank so that works great for me to just use the bucket.

[jamiestamand]

I'm going to get my fish later this week and their tanks. All but the 60 as I have a 60 here in Texas and got to get the 60 moved next trip.

[inkscorpion]

Good video. Exactly the way I do it. Mainly because I dont like constantly moving the one end of the hose from a faucet to a drain, back to a faucet, back to a drain, etc. Makes maint. much easier. 👍🏻💯

[tankman]

Ur cleaning spot on i do it the same way

[petervandieren]

I like to fill up a tank while working on the next. When I am done with cleaning and draining the second tank, the first tank is filled up. Then I fill up the second tank while working on the third tank and so on.

[terryw]

I have a quick question how much cichlid lake salt do you use for your 55 gallon