Water Changing Methods

Siphoning is the easiest way to remove water from a tank. For large tanks, using a "Python" (a great product) or other long hose allows one to dispense siphon water directly into a drain or outside garden. When removing water via siphoning, you should also clean your gravel. Many water changing hoses, or tank "vacuums" are available and include a gravel cleaning attachment. The basic idea behind them is to connect a wide mouthed tube to the end of the siphon hose. When the tube is plunged into the gravel, the water flow churns up the gravel, but only the dirt, mulm, etc. is light enough to be siphoned out. Note that the dirty water being removed from your tank contains nitrates, which make an excellent fertilizer for your flower or vegetable garden unless you have a saltwater tank, in which case the water that is removed should be dumped down the drain. When adding water to the tank, the use of a small pump is the cleanest way to put the new water into the tank.