I'm not sure if I posted this in the right section, sorry if it isn't.

I was wonder what was the best way of doing a water change. Curently I fill up a container, add the chlorine remover and salt, and then put it in the tank. Is this wrong? If so what should I be doing? I'm new at this, so sorry if it's a dumb question.


Ruffledmumkin

I'm new at this too, so don't take it as gospel!
I usually leave water for a day or so before putting it in the tank, even though I have added the chlorine remover as well. I just feel it's safer to give the water a little time to make sure all the chemicals etc have gone. I also have two buckets of treated water standing ready at all times in case an emergency water change is needed (or i need to get my boys out of the tank in an emergency).

hi
i find the best way to do a change is to use a gravel cleaner as you can get rid of lots of waste. i dont stand water i just pour it in straight after its been dechlorinated and i use a bit of boiled water to take the chill out of it.

if you are in america they have a python which connects to the tap, really good.but we cant get them over here.they would have to be shipped over.

So what are you adding salt for?

A vacuum is essential for cleaning the bottom of the tank.
What i do is vacuum the bottom, then add replacement water that's close to the same temp as the tank. You don't have to let the replacement water sit out after dechlorinating. Tho if you're using well water or the city adds lots of carbon dioxide to the water, it would be good to give it time to outgas the CO2.

You can make a python using a garden hose, a waterbed filler/drainer that hooks to the faucet and a gravel vacuum. It's kind of a pain, but cheaper than a python.

Thanks for all the help everyone! I really appreciate it! DataGuru, I add the salt, because I have heard so many other people say they do. The guy at the LFS said to, so I do. Is that wrong?

Some people like to keep their goldie tanks salted & some do not. There are firm believers on either side.

If your fish are healthy & you want to keep a low concentration of salt in there, I wouldn't see a problem. In my gf tank I do not keep salt in there unless I'm treating it for something. I'm not saying it's the best way, it's just what works for me.

An important thing to remember about salt is that it doesn't evaporate. You only put in as much as you take out or you will rapidly over salt your tank.

Enjoy your fishies!!

Jenn

I strongly disagree about you adding salt to your aquarium for a few reasons; salt does not evaporate quickly, I add it every month or so, you must use salt made especially for aquarium fish that can be bought at your fish store because if you use table salt it can kill your fish because it contains iodine(I think, BUT I'm sure it contains toxic chemicals to your fish). You don't really need to add salt unless your fish have small injuries like scrapes

how big a tank are we talking about :goldfish

I have a 10 gallon tank, with CJ (my gf) and 2 chinese algae eaters. I only add the salt because the lfs told me to. My gf has lost a few scales lately , would the salt help or hurt him? He also has some kind of bump, zit looking thing on his lip . I'm not sure what this is. I only add the salt to the new water that I add to my tank. Oh, and the salt I add is aquarium salt. I add about 1 tbls to every 5 gallons. I really want to do what is best for my fish, so if I'm doing something wrong let me know. Thanks ya'll!

There are lots of opinions on salt.

I think goldies are freshwater fish and thus should be in fresh water, not salted water. I think salt has it's uses, but that's not one of them.

The only benefit that I know of with the salt concentration you're using is protection against chlorine or nitrIte poisoning. Both chlorine and nitrItes enger thru the gills and bind up the red blood cells keeping them from carrying oxygen. Salt competes with both chlorine and nitrIte for uptake thru the gills. If you're dechlorinating your water for partial water changes and your cycle is stable, it shouldn't be necessary to keep salt in the tank for those reasons.

You also have to worry about your salt levels creeping up. Since salt doesn't evaporate, it stays in the tank. Depending on how much water's evaporating out of the tank, you could end up with higher concentrations than you think over time.

Exactly! B)

Maybe I'll rethink the salt . Thanks DataGuru! Can you give me any info on the sore on his lip? It did look like a Zit, but this morning it looks like it popped . It now looks like a round sore. Nothing like any pictures I have seen of fish diseases <_< . Any ideas?