Habitat - Indoor :: Tank Cleaning

[Gokuh]

I am shopping for a bigger tank for my RES. My current set up is a 10 gallon tank for two 1" RES i purchased from my local petstore in december. It works, but it is a pain in the [---] because of the cleaning frequency. (I have a 20 gallon stingray filter which works, but works rather poorly due to food lodging behind it.)

The one thing I fear about a bigger tank is the cleaning. Does anyone here have a custom tank with a drain?

Currently i take the 10 gallon outside and dump it in the snow. I have bought a python but unfortunately i do not have a fixture i can attach it too.

What cleaning methods do you people here use?

[sonyj]

I have a thirty gallon and use the python. With the help of my husband we have ours done in no time, and that's including the draining, scrubbing/cleaning inside and filter etc, and filling it up.

I'm not an expert at this, but I thought the python fit all sinks, sometimes you just have to remove the piece from your sink that has the little screen in order to attach it. Before I got the python, I used a gravel vacuum/pump that I'd drain water out into a 5 gallon bucket and haul outside to dump, and then scrub. Boy was that a pain. Now with the python (and the fact that I've made my hubby start helping too) it's been a breeze.

[cam722]

You can get a stock tank that has a drain plug. I believe you may have to get the drain to put in it.. My daughter did this with her 100 gal rubbermaid stock tank which made it a lot easier to clean. I have a 75 gallon tank and use the python.. what a difference from the days (like sonyj) of using the siphon and bucket .. phew talk about a back breaker. See if taking off the aerator adapter on your sink helps with the python a few people have had this problem

Also, part of the reason why your tank is getting so dirty is that you have 2 turtles in a 10 gallon tank. That size is barely big enough for one turtle. I found that the more water/space you have, the less cleaning you have to do. You also should get a better filter.. turtles are a lot messier than fish. Remember to get on rated for 2-3x's the size of the tank.

[steve]

I think the faucet needs to be threaded to fasten a python onto it. (I don't have either, but thats the idea).

I also agree, a bigger tank, more water, a better filter will require less frequent cleaning. If you have a canister filter,like a fluval or xp3, you should be able to use it to pump out most of the water...

[marisa]

Is it possible to find an adaptor for the python?

[doomsdaybob]

Most sinks should have an aerator on them. If it won't unscrew easily it might be coroded on. You could try soaking it in some vinegar or CLR. Some are threaded internally which would require either the newest brass adaptor or a second plastic adaptor from Python, your instructions should cover this. If your Python doesn't have or is missing the adaptor you can purchase them separately. If you faucet doesn't have an aerator your only option would be to replace the faucet w/ a newer model
Alot of laundry tubs have threaded faucets also if your lucky enough to have one in the laundry room or garage, you would just need an extention for your Python.

[Giddy]

The standard filtration for most fish is 5x the gallon size. For goldfish it is recommended at 10x. If turtles are a lot dirtier than fish, It seems 3 times would be pushing it. Most filtrartion guidelines on a filter box far exceed a 3 time limit. Example, looking on ebay, a small 15 gallon hydor still pumps water at 158 gph, that is over the 10x right there. Even a cheaper tetra whisper for a 10 gallon does 125 GPH. To slow the water flow, just head it towards the wall, rocks, etc. That breaks the current very well.

I have 2 powerheads hooked to filter systems in my 30 gallon bubble eye tank and each powerhead does up to 400gph. But a lot of people do not realize that tubing, etc will greatly diminish the output of what a filter really does.

If you do not have a python, a drain fill kit for a waterbed is basically the same thing without the gravel cleaner attachment on one end...and costs about $6.

For a small tank like a 10 or 20 gallon, I would just use a large cup or small pitcher, scoop, fill a 5 gallon and dump. Then fill a clean 5 gallon with fresh, and scoop into the tank with a half gallon jug. It will not take long at all.

I have a kitchen sink with a spray nozel so those hookups do not work for me either. For my 30 -40 gal, I will either use a half gallon jug and scoop into a 5 gallon bucket, or into the sink for the tank in the kitchen. Or use the gravel cleaner and fill a 5 gallon half way and dump Then fill the same way.