i guess i ask in here since both question is related to water...

anyways, just set up a 55 gal tank and i want to know what could i do to help speed up the cycling process. i have a new filter on the 55gal tank and i took the bio filter element and swapped it with another filter thats already been established. also i have a feeder fish and a plant in the tank. do you think this is a good idea? would this kill off the bacteria in the bio filer?

second, people with 55 gal tanks, how do you do water changes? if i do 50% water changes on the tank, i will be walking back and forth for 10 times with a 5 gal bucket. 5 to syphon out the poop water, 5 to fill it back up. it doesnt seem that bad, but with 3 tanks in the house, those trips could add up.

i was thinking of getting 50ft garden hose or something and run it to the toilet to syphon the water that way. would that work? anyone have any other recommendations?

thanks

I would positively die without my python - I recommend you get one! You hook it up to your sink faucet and no buckets are involved. Very nice and easy - vacuum, empty, and fill all with one hose.

As it stands, I am happy doing all the running back and forth with buckets: It's my way to be both frugal, and get some free exercise for the days I am not in the mood to lift. However, if you are dreading the cycling process, a python is the only way to go.

If money is an issue, there are DIY projects online for a python if you take a look.

Edit: Heh, after taking a look at them, maybe the DIY isn't a great solution. It looks like the parts cost over 50% of what the same size python would cost.

I have 16+ tanks, and can only lift 1.5 gallons of water at a time. I run back and forth. It takes time. It drives me crazy. But I have GREAT arm muscles!!!! I get to walk at least a mile carrying weight. I have a built in gym here!

Be careful that you do not syphon out one of your fish when you syphon - do not leave the hose unattended.

haha...wow, either you have a basement full of tanks or your like those neighborhood cat lady but with fish instead

She IS the cat lady AND the goldie lady! I can attest that she has a house full of beautiful tanks and a very understanding husband!


Yes, be very careful syphoning. Many a bad accident has happened that way...

I have a 55 gallon tank up in my barn (converted hayloft) with no running water upstairs. I can use a garden hose to drain water by creating a syphon. But you need to keep your eyes on the syphon so you don't hurt any fish.

Once done, you could get a hose made for RVs (potable water). I filled up my 55 gallon tank that way.