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Aquariums: How does everyone else move the water back into their aquariums after a water change?


There could not possible be a more inefficient way of moving the water back in (and yes I use an old pot, don’t judge). But i can’t get a good siphon with the gravel vacuum and dumping it directly in disturbs the sand too much. Using a mug is the best way I’ve found for my tank but I’m curious as too how everyone else does it.

Posted by SweetTart7231

26 Comments

  1. FineLibrarian8506 on

    me persionally i filll up a pvc rain barell with freezing cold water to avoid the salty soft warm water from the tap, then i condition it while runninbg a pump, and use a 2000 watt emmersion heater to heat it to temp, and pump it into my tank.

  7. Adventurous-Time5287 on

    All of my aquarium tools are way too big for my 5gal so I am currently using a ginormous plastic bowl and one half of a mini brands ball to take the water out and replace it.

  8. BugJuice420 on

    I went to the hardware store got 20 ft of clear flexible PVC hose, got an attachment that screwed onto the sink faucet itself and a bit that fit into the hose attaching it to sink. I just use siphon physics to dump the tank water out the door to the balcony gutter pipe. Before filling I add my water conditioner to tank and temp match it via sink faucet and a digital thermometer. I’ve done this for years and it works great. I have a 75 gallon tank. I’m not using 5 gallon buckets ever again

  9. DinsyEjotuz on

    Python attached to 50′ of tubing. Run the water out of the tank, out the back slider and down the hill enough to get the flow going good. Then take it upstairs and run it down the stairs and around the well to the tank to refill. Works like a dream changing 15+ gallons at a time.

  11. Kermodero on

    I had the same issue, but I’ve found that pouring the water slowly on something that floats (like a Tupperware lid) stops the sand from being disturbed. Eventually I decided to invest in an electric water pump, so I could siphon it hassle free. Also, I’d recommend a bucket with measurements! 5 gallon buckets are very useful and inexpensive, especially if you need to treat your water first.

  12. YgrainDaystar on

    My favourite water change tool for my several nano tanks is a beverage box with a tap from Temu. Honestly a lifesaver. I mix a 5 gallon bucket with declorinator to temp and then tip it into the box, rest it on the tank edge with a ruler or whatever and viola! Controlled flow and no debris.

  14. Free_Divide195 on

    I bought a cheap pump and a long, long tube. When emptying, the pump goes in the tank on a low setting and the tube runs to the toilet (with a sponge over the outlet in case of any hitchikers).
    When refilling, the pump goes in the bathtub and the tube goes in the tank, with sponge over the outlet again to prevent disturbing the substrate.

    Works great, cost me maybe $10-$15.

  15. petthecacti on

    All you need is a hose of any size, fill it with water, plug it with your finger on one side, submerge the other side, and let go of your finger and the hose will continue to drain until you pull the one end out of the water.

    Using this method for filling is slow, but, completely automatic, as the filler bucket will empty and stop, so no overflow if you measure right, and you can use different sizes of hosing to keep disturbing the water to a minimal.

    Doing this when you empty means you can use the hose as a vacuum for any areas of buildup. I personally use a small hose and if you are careful, it will vacuum all of the debris from the top of your sand/gravel without actually taking any away.

    Also works great for removing young snails if that ends up becoming a need.

  16. JerryNotTom on

    I have 6 1gallon water jugs. I fill them AFTER my water change with the RO filter d water I have under my kitchen sink. They’re the jugs that came with the distilled water we buy for humidifiers, misters and sprinklers for sleeping and for the terrarium we have. I leave the filled gallon bottles in a corner near the tank for the week and then the water is temperature acclimated too.

  17. Souless04 on

    I have a Lee’s Pet Products specimen container I hang in the tank. Pouring water into that diffuses the flow enough to not stir up the substrate. I use a 2 gallon bucket. It’s small enough that I can also dip the entire thing in the tank to take water out.

  21. Zulummar on

    5-gallon water cooler jug. The narrow spout keeps the water from sloshing out like a normal bucket. I set a tea saucer on the gravel and poured over it.

  23. EverlastingPeacefull on

    Garden hose connected to a nearby tap. Our water is of very good drinking quality and safe to use directly into the tank. If I do a big water change, I connect the hose in the bathroom (also nearby) and can adjust the temperature to come as close as possible to my tank water. I did it this way with my 180 liter tank and stil do it with my 320 liter tank.

    Topping my tank when some water is evaporated is done with a 20 liter bucket that I have for my aquarium.

    Water changes are done ever two or three months, topping the tank depends on the humidity in my home.

  24. cinnamon-toast-life on

    I use a siphon into a bucket to remove old water that o use for plants. Then I use a big garage sale margarita pitcher that I pour over the back of a spoon to refill.

  26. SpartanSoldier00a on

    5 gal bucket,10L bucket, and a small submersivble water pump, lol. Pump was about $30, and has just enough lift to get the water over the rim. Works great.

    I also more frequently water exchanges/top ups and for those I’ll just fill up a 4L water bottle add declorinator and then just pour it in 🤷🏾

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