Any recommendations on a good gravel vacuum? I've read about the Python--does that water come straight from the faucet? Aren't you supposed to let the new water get to room temp before putting it in the tank? I've done ok with a regular ol' gravel vacuum but with a bigger tank thought about getting a little bigger one . . . .

Also how important is aeration? I've had one of our fish for 3 years and haven't had any aerator. Do I really need one or is it just more for me to clean? She's done real well without it but now that I feel like she's part of the family I wonder if she needs some type of aerator. And if she does what do you recommend?

Thanks for all the help!!

I don't know about the Python but you could just put a simple bubble stone. you will also need to get an air pump (get a cheapie if you can bear the noise but get a more expensive one if you want it quieter - IMHO they are all too loud)! and air tubing. That's an easy way to increase aeration. Also, adjusting the filter outflow to agitate the surface of the water will help too - as long as it is not so turbulent that it becomes problematic for the fish. I think that's right - please step up and help fantailfan if I have said anything wrong or not well enough! Thanks!

The python works really well...but it requires the tap to run the ENTIRE time you are doing your water change. It actually wastes a ton of water.
To equalize the temp. all you need to do is put a thermometer under the tap and adjust until it's the same temp. as the tank. Just don't change more then 50%. Large water changes can cause gas bubbles to form under the skin of the fish and in the blood stream, which is very dangerous. Much like when a deep sea diver gets nitrogen bubbles in his blood from rising to quickly. This is why they say to leave tap water out for 24hrs. This allows the gases to merge back into the water as well as the temp to stabilize. With large tanks this is of course impossible. I do 50% changes on all my tanks, and have never had a problem in 15 yrs.

As for aeration, do you know the oxygen saturation level of your tank? Probable not eh? I don't know mine either. If your fish have had no problems with just the aeration from the filter, I wouldn't worry about it. Unless the fish is hanging under the filter or has become sluggish. What is the temp of your tank? The higher the temp of the water the less oxygen it holds. That's why goldfish become hypoxic(sp?) at higher temps.

It's the movement of the surface that allows gaseous exchange. Oxygen in, carbon dioxide out. So long as you have adequate surface movement, I wouldn't worry about it. But it wouldn't hurt either...except maybe your ears...

Actually I was wondering about aeration too. My two goldies have lived for three years with no aeration beyond what their filter provided. I just recently decided to add a small air stone positioned beneath a cave type ornament which allows the bubbles to come out through small holes at the top. I can't say if their increased "friskiness" is due to the fun new bubbles or the extra oxygen, but either way they seem happier.