I use a different container to drain my tank that I've labeled "dirty." Although I clean that container I still don't use it to mix water. The best cleaning product to use is vinegar or bleach just make sure it's rinsed well and dried.
I always keep ~35 gallons mixed up and ready to go running with a heater and a powerhead in my laundry room. It is in a 55ish gallon trash can with wheels. When it is time for a water change, I just wheel it out to the tank and pump water out of it.
Originally Posted by MaTT B
ya i have 1 bucket to drain the tank and 1 to fill it
Same here. I drain to a 5 gallon bucket and mix fresh in a 15 gallon rubbermaid.
35 g rubbermaid trash can with a heater and two air stones.........one hign and on low in the trash can...........i run it 24 hrs before the water change