How (and Why) I Do Water Changes on All of My Aquariums

Рет қаралды 24,570

Күн бұрын

Today's video is all about water changes. I walkthrough my full process for water changes on my nine basement aquariums
I've used the Python Water Change system for a long time, and I've tried a variety of pumps, but the Ultra Zero is the best I've used in terms of ease of use and efficiency.
I highly recommend the Sicce Ultra Zero Pump if you're looking to speed up your process and avoid wasting water. The Python is maybe my most recommended tool for any aquarist. It makes everything a whole lot easier.
If you're interested in any of the products we use in this video, feel free to check out the Amazon affiliate links below:
Equipment
- Python Water Changer: amzn.to/3a17dbb
- Sicce Ultra Zero Pump: amzn.to/3ClfENH
- Sicce XStream Wavemaker - amzn.to/3fRZWk1
- Shower Scrubber: amzn.to/3PI2H77
- Filter Floss: amzn.to/3O3aIFv
Chemicals
- Seachem Prime: geni.us/iys7T
- Fritz Glass/Acrylic Cleaner: geni.us/uvmwK8
Food
- Xtreme Krill Flakes - geni.us/iTAWsN
- Xtreme Big Fella Pellets - geni.us/9Cra
- Xtreme Nice Pellets - geni.us/6ADcc
Thanks for watching, and we'll see you next week!

Пікірлер: 104

@carlwagers9829 Жыл бұрын

Its always a great day when chiclid Bros posts a video

@PriceTagAquariums Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the upload! It's always nice to see fish hobbyists show videos of their regular maintenance schedules. All good info! Always love the movie references!

@TheSalient1 Жыл бұрын

if you pull the tube off the hose hover it above the sand it sucks that crap p out easier and faster as creates more suction.

@CichlidBros Жыл бұрын

Good tip!

@irecruitfish7410 3 ай бұрын

Beauty of being on well water and having water softeners and sulfide removing equipment is you don't need prime!

@jasonsingh5293 Жыл бұрын

water change are very important to me cichlids bro's i do minds every other month and it's work's out very well beautiful 180 gallon tank loving the geofagous and sevrums thanks for sharing this cichlids bro's ❤❤❤👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

@top_mf_n_here1806 20 күн бұрын

I have both styles of tanks setup(planted and large cichlid s) My 125 is a Frontosa colony(6 large/medium) and 2 large Angels. Use to do water changes weekly but now i grow house plants on top with roots in tank (pothos, monstera, peace lily, lucky bamboo). Doing this i change water once every 2 months or longer now.

@jeremymoore450 Жыл бұрын

Troy, I appreciate this and you explaining your water change and schedule. Yes the water changes like you said are unique to everyone and what they are keeping for fish. I have 3 tanks and i change my water every 2 weeks based on nitrate levels. I have 2 aquariums that are planted and my 90 gal has my bigger american cichlids. Like my JD, red devil, green severum to name a few. I dont change all the aquariums water on the same day i space it out. I also dont touch the filters on the same day i do water changes. I clean them out the opposite week. I dont want to disturb the bacteria. Appreciate the video.

@CichlidBros Жыл бұрын

Very nice, and great tip 👍🏻

@henrybowman7887 Жыл бұрын

I do a 50% water change in my Mbuna tank every 8-10 days... Sometimes, it might get pushed back due to my work schedule 12-14 days,if that happens, I remove a little more water out... The best investment I made was a python... It saves me around 2hrs of time,no more bucket brigade lol...

@LegendsAquatics Жыл бұрын

Do you add beneficial bacteria after the change or just rely on the bacteria in your filter?

@henrybowman7887 Жыл бұрын

@@LegendsAquatics I use Seachem Prime and Stability every water change... I also alternate cleaning my filters as well..

@LegendsAquatics Жыл бұрын

@@henrybowman7887 oh ok, I should start using that

@Evil_Genius_888 Жыл бұрын

I do weekly 50% changes in my home tanks. They are highly planted and highly fertilized. The weekly maintenance is a reset. My office nano tank is water changed monthly. That 6g nano will be replaced with a 10g shallow riparium sometime this summer.

@iamhowiam2862 Жыл бұрын

Well put, as far as the planted/ not planted difference. Another banger brother, keep them coming!

@jc49fishniner4lif7 Жыл бұрын

Wow those are some beautiful fish in the 180👍❤️ and also you talk about the running out of hot water is also a good idea to replace the water heater for a tankless one that way you'll never run out of hot water

@opethmike Жыл бұрын

Algae scrubbers are an absolute game changer. I use them on my salt tanks, and they work super well.

@CichlidBros Жыл бұрын

Agreed!

@reggie2803 Жыл бұрын

More great advice. Thanks.

@sheilabruin-blake9507 Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for sharing I have a twenty gallon African mbuna tank with six fish and one cat fish and you say I test my waters and do changes as needed.

@kashifkashu7899 Жыл бұрын

Nice and informative video bro..watching your fish tanks is always a treat 🎉 but I can imagine how hard and time consuming it is for u every two weeks doing water changes in so many tanks... Keep up the good work❤

@jacobcone5945 Жыл бұрын

The Discus Tank is looking great!!!

@CichlidBros Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@tuco86x Жыл бұрын

Good on you using a pump. Python with faucet is such a waste of water

@jimmyCA310 7 ай бұрын

I'm joining the membership. He's awesome

@b.a.cichlids3827 Жыл бұрын

Always Great Info 👍🏻

@CichlidBros Жыл бұрын

🤙🏼🤙🏼

@giuliadaniele4379 Жыл бұрын

you always give great informations, thank you❤

@CichlidBros Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@melsfreshwater6020 Жыл бұрын

Awesome video, tanks & fish are all looking incredible under your care. I struggle to get nitrates even in my african cichlid tank!! Think it's the deep sand? Love your severums & your cold water tank!

@greenwatertheory-rv3te Жыл бұрын

I appreciate this video, you always have a level headed approach with every video and I respect it. Maybe one day you will have a more natural tank, they are just as enjoyable as those with bigger cichlids. I can't wait to see those Discus grow out. Thanks again.

@oscarpolanco3067 9 ай бұрын

Very well said 👏

@CichlidBros 9 ай бұрын

Thanks 🤙🏼🤙🏼

@juliaheinritz3264 Жыл бұрын

This was really helpful. I sure wish I could use our tap water. We have a well with a water softener which just doesn't work for my fish. Instead, we have an RO system. This water is treated in buckets or 20 gallon cans and also brought to the right temp. It sure is time consuming but it works for me. Your tanks are beautiful so as they say: "you got this"😊

@irecruitfish7410 3 ай бұрын

What? I'm on well water and the fact that I don't have to use prime is just amazing. I do have live plants but well water is solid as long as we have a water softener in carbon remover.

@katieniify 25 күн бұрын

This is very helpful thank you!

@CichlidBros 25 күн бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@mitymac Жыл бұрын

i got a chia plant thing from petco i wrapped some window screen around it to keep the wolves off it & its been working great .... its not the prettiest but if u have a place out of sight it works 👍

@APTV50634 Жыл бұрын

very beautiful tanks awesome videos amazing

@CichlidBros Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@APTV50634 Жыл бұрын

Your welcome anytime my friend

@ianhoyt8828 Жыл бұрын

Could you do a video or maybe a short explaining that pump in depth? I’m having some trouble trying to use my python tube to my shower. It’s to my shower bc my faucet isn’t threaded. I think that pump could solve my problem

@nuttnbutt4923 Жыл бұрын

You should do a Herichthys tank I have labridens but any species of that genus are pretty fun i’m trying to breed mine if you want fish from Canada in about a year

@princescdk3107 Жыл бұрын

Plants are King ngl. Have a heavy stocked community tank with fast growing stem plants and hornworth, let me tell you i change water about 6 weeks at a time and its not for nitrates its cuz i wanna introduce good minerals for the plants. But also give the fish a new feel (i tell myself)😊

@CichlidBros Жыл бұрын

Yep that’s a great setup and the benefits of plants. My 150g might get to that level soon

@yunglin9025 Жыл бұрын

just wonder if you use RO water for your geophagus or use tap water directly? In Texas, we have moderately hard water which is above PH8. not sure if the hard water will impact my geophagus in the long term

@williamavery1758 Жыл бұрын

Let me ask you something on ur 75 with the electric blue Acura grow out tank how ofen do you do water changes once or twice a week. I dont remember what you said,, im only asking cause mine just had babys and im gonna keep them with momma for a few weeks,, i have 3 electric blue Acura fish 3 Cory's and a clown pleco in a 55 gallon tank well and a handfull of fry cant really tell you how many since there just starting the wigglers stage. Sorry for the long question. And the video is awesome and i think you have the nicest tanks with some beautiful looking fish

@mandyarmstrong7312 Жыл бұрын

What's a faucet siphon I have the first part can you show me how yours is all connected please

@Parrotloverx10 Жыл бұрын

Any tips for moving a 55g and switching it to a 90g? Moving in feb & want to do a smooth as possible move. My 55 is a african cichlid tank

@fownine4life853 5 ай бұрын

What was that black and red fish you showed at the end of the video? Pretty...

@tinadoyle3803 Жыл бұрын

How is it the substrate in your tanks looks so clean when you dont siophon off dirt ?

@MLYGuys 3 ай бұрын

Where can I find a tank stand for a 100+ gallon tank? TIA

@aishanirmala4835 Жыл бұрын

hi there! my tank size is 60x35x35 (18 gallon more or less), and i don't hae live plants in there. How many times should i do water changes? tq

@mandyarmstrong7312 Жыл бұрын

Do you have a video on your pump to the python ❤

@sharongordon1254 Жыл бұрын

Hi! I need a little help with substrate. I know fine sand is ideal but was wandering if Caribsea Jungle sand would be okay to use (.5-1.5 mm size) for eartheaters. I need a larger sand particle for the plenum build. If possible, I really would like to use Peace River small gravel which is a little bigger under the sand. I need 3 inches of substrate which I hope won’t be too heavy for the 120 gal tank/stand I purchased at Petco (saw your comment on another video). Would appreciate your expert advice! Thank you too for all the information you provide us!

@CichlidBros Жыл бұрын

Yep, I think that’d be an ideal substrate. It’s fine enough that the geos could sift the sand

@CoralMan24 Жыл бұрын

Did your pump have a attachment for the gravel vac or did you make your own?

@markbaumgardt2868 Жыл бұрын

My nitrates are also low between 10 to 20 parts and I never get algae in any of my tanks I have Texas rock in my hap tank which always stays pristine and white love the vids bro

@CichlidBros Жыл бұрын

Very nice. Thanks for watching!

@videoforgeeks Жыл бұрын

Troy...when it comes to conditioning the new water...Do you also treat for chloramines? As that is seems to require more of the conditioner. Do you also condition for the whole volume of the tank or for just the water amount you are replenishing?

@CichlidBros Жыл бұрын

Hey there. Prime covers everything thing needed to treat. I do the full volume of the tank

@lboogie738aquatics Жыл бұрын

Excellent video. How often do you clean your HOB filters?

@CichlidBros Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Usually 1-2 months. Swapping out filter floss every few weeks

@lboogie738aquatics Жыл бұрын

@@CichlidBros ok cool. Do you use chemi pure in the HoB or the carbon media?

@CichlidBros Жыл бұрын

@@lboogie738aquatics typically chemi pure

@lboogie738aquatics Жыл бұрын

@@CichlidBros ok thank you

@Tkzlol Жыл бұрын

I've been wondering this for a while but haven't bother asking, What kind of lights are those on your 150g SA tank?

@CichlidBros Жыл бұрын

Always feel free to ask! They are AI Prime 16 LEDs - amzn.to/35yWwA8

@derrill7079 Жыл бұрын

What fish are in the one fifty

@groutline123 Жыл бұрын

Hello, could you please share the algae scrubber make and model?

@CichlidBros Жыл бұрын

Scrubber: amzn.to/3PI2H77

@groutline123 Жыл бұрын

@@CichlidBros Thanks, but I was referring to the algae scrubber you have installed on one of your sumps. If you could share that make and model I would appreciate it.

@jerryhigg Жыл бұрын

❤👍🐟

@thedampestcrib6004 10 ай бұрын

Im looking at a over flow method but i dont want to connect tanks but i meed figure something better 40 plus tanks is a long water change day 😅

@thedampestcrib6004 10 ай бұрын

Debating hoses going to all then to 1 to fill and drain but then I have an issue on different size tanks so overflow makes most sense but I don't want to cut holes so idk

@GC_Aquariums Жыл бұрын

Completely unrelated lol, do Gymnogeophagus rhabdotus or terratupurra stay smaller or do they both achieve similar size?

@CichlidBros Жыл бұрын

Usually similar in size, topping out around 5-6 inches

@FishingWithJoeyYT Жыл бұрын

Can you please give me some tips for reducing ammonia levels in my tank. One of my fish died because of it.😢

@tomp6685 6 ай бұрын

The most common reason for high ammonia levels in aquariums is from overfeeding.

@blakemcclurkin4842 4 ай бұрын

Do you feed beef heart flakes to any of your South American cichlids?

@CichlidBros 4 ай бұрын

Yep, to my discus

@blakemcclurkin4842 4 ай бұрын

@@CichlidBros other than the discus?

@tinadoyle3803 Жыл бұрын

So you don't siophan the bottom of the tank ?

@CichlidBros Жыл бұрын

Only occasionally, and hardly ever in my larger tanks

@carlwagers9829 Жыл бұрын

Alright, Troy, i got a 29-gallon tank and i dont know what to do with it! Can you give me some suggestions?

@beat_2008 Жыл бұрын

this 15 yr old is not as professional as Troy here but what you can do Is go outside to a Location with lots of stones and rocks, collect some flat one, large ones and Natural looking ones, Buy some gravel from a LFS and add it in your aquarium, Set up rocks the way you like it, I usually make caves and holes, Best cichlids to add in a 29-30 gallon tanks are Convict Pair and Jewel Pairs (Rare Turkana Jewel or Red Jewel)

@beat_2008 Жыл бұрын

Make sure to wash the rocks b4 adding

@yourmomsbff7670 Жыл бұрын

Shellies!

@carlwagers9829 Жыл бұрын

Thank you guys for the suggestions!

@jeremymoore450 Жыл бұрын

29 gal you could keep a couple angels and a few dither fish.

@dopepetsaqua Жыл бұрын

if you had it to do over would you get the 180 in glass or would you still want acrylic?

@CichlidBros Жыл бұрын

Would’ve loved glass but don’t think we could’ve gotten it down my stairs

@edmundooliver7584 Жыл бұрын

you must have good tap water, my nitrates come out at 40ppm

@usmc72409 Жыл бұрын

Troy, I came across someone who only does water changes on their overstocked discus tank every 6 months. They showed me this video and said this is the setup they use. Thought u would find this interesting. The set up starts at about 6:50. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/r9eUpdeHvqi1dI0.html

@beat_2008 Жыл бұрын

If you dont change your fishes water, your messed up...

@carlwagers9829 Жыл бұрын

Agreed! But I see everyone's points.

@jimberence 8 ай бұрын

I do 75% water changes wéekly

@WhiteCloud746 Жыл бұрын

Folks: This is the reality. Hear and heed this video. This Father Fish "no water change" philosophy is poppycock.

@sergiocorrea1235 Жыл бұрын

Wooow beautiful peces

@chico6085 Жыл бұрын

15 minutes to drain 40%? You need a stronger pump. I drain my 150 50%in about 2 minutes lol

@FatherFish Жыл бұрын

Water changes are critical for tanks that are polluted by overfeeding and overcrowding.

@CichlidBros Жыл бұрын

Yes, and they’re also necessary for tanks that aren’t heavily planted or have fish that aren’t nano sized. What you’ve said about water changes is correct - it’s the context that’s important for people to understand

@FatherFish Жыл бұрын

@@CichlidBros Yes. Or that lack adequate substrate. I maintained 400 aquariums in my shop with many very large fish all with deep substrate none required routine water changes.