Water changes

[youngvr]

Hi! I'm still new to this hobby since I've only had a tank since December. It's a 55 gal FWLR and LS. I've had tank maintenance from the lfs but I want to start doing my own water changes. Could anyone suggest the all equipment I would need to begin doing my own water changes? It would be less expensive (they charge $1.25 per gallon) and I could do it as more often as needed. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[dgs174]

you will need something that will suck the water out of the tank, and clean the gravel at the same time.
Somewhere to put the water is necessary, so a large container is a must.
Somewhere to mix water if that is the route you want to take. So for this you will need a water supply and some salt. OR you could get a RO unit which would help with water changes and ultimately be worth it in the long run.
hth
dan

 

[bobber]

5 gallon buckets work very well. That's why alot of people get Instant Ocean salt mix in the 5 gallon buckets. A siphon for the gravel cleaning. Premix the salt water a day in advance. Aerate the mix well with a powerhead and heater overnight. The next day, do the water change. Take out only the amount you are going to replace. I have lines marked on the buckets-I take out enough water until I get to the line and mix the same amount. That will help keep your water parameters stable. HTH--Bob