Using a python system with clowns

[Auntsally]

Does anyone have experience of the python water changing system? Just seen it mentioned on the freshwater forum and looks handy, but I always condition and dechlorinate my water before adding it to the tank as I am worried about upsetting my clowns in particular, but also the other fish tanks. It seems that with this system you put the water straight from the tap and treat the tank afterwards. (No buckets, yippee). Would this be causing stress to the fish? It seems to me to be particularly tough on the loaches. I live in a hard water area.

[starsplitter7]

Here's a recent thread on pythons.
http://forums.loaches.com/viewtopic.php ... ght=python
I don't know anything about them, but they sure do look enticing.

[Gary Stanton]

I use it and treat the water as it goes in and there seems to be no adverse effect. My water is not hard and all I do to it is neutralize the chlorine with sodium thiosulfate. My fifteen clowns are 5- 7 inches.

[Eyrie]

I use one with my clown tank, but only to drain it. For filling I stand the fresh water overnight to raise it to room temperature (also a chance to dechlorinate it) and then use a powerhead to pump the water into the tank.

[chefkeith]

If you are you asking if the chlorine or chloramines from the tap water could cause stress on the fish the answer is maybe. It depends on the volume of the water change and the strength of the anti-bacterial agent.

You'll need to test the tap water to find out how much chlorine and/or chloramines are in the water. If you guess what the levels are, then you usually end up over-dosing the tank with water conditioners.

Over-dosing water conditioners is bad in that it wastes money, it adds to the TDS of the water, and adds harsh compounds to the water (sulfates).

If the water change is 20% or less, the chlorine/chloramines will probably use up their anti-bacterial power on the free floating bacteria in the aquarium water without causing any stress to the fish or damage to the filters. You probably won't even need to add water conditioners when small water changes are done. The chlorine/chloramines should kill off the free floating bacteria in the water and be used up before they have a chance to do any damage to the fish or filters.

If you do larger than 20% water changes, there probably will be an excess of chlorine/chloramines which could stress the fish and damage the bacteria in the filters. You'll definately need to use water conditioners in this case.

Another thing to consider, is if the free floating bacterial levels are extemely low in the aquarium water, then you might want to add some dechlore during every water change. You'd have low free floating bacterial levels in the water if you have a UV sterilizer or have an under stocked tank or over filtered . Don't confuse free floating bacteria in the water with nitrifying bacteria in the filters.

When I add dechlore, I usually add a half dose about 1/4 way through the water change and another half dose when the water change is about 3/4 over. Don't wait until the water change is done to add the dechlore.

Anyway, I think pythons are great. Anything that's helps water changes is great for the fish and for you.

[Auntsally]

Thanks everyone for your advice. Chefkeith I think my first move will be to ask the LFS for something to test the chlorine/chloromines as I do 20% in each tank once a week at present ( may have to increase that in the loach tank IVNF though. If I don't need additives it will save me a fortune! Thanks for the link Starspinner7. I am very tempted! Also like the idea of using it to empty only and then use a pump for refilling, although if OK to add untreated water that will be great. Chefkeith, is the test system like my aPI for ammonia nitrites etc.? and what level is a safe level for 20% changes, or at that level does it not really matter? At the moment I use 1/2 a capful of cycle and 1/2 capful aqua plus per 10 litres of new water.
Thank you everyone.

[chefkeith]

Yes, a chlorine/chloramine test kit will be like any other. You want one that reads total chlorine. If the chlorine/chloramine is under .5 ppm, then it shouldn't do anything harmful during small water changes. If iit's over 1 ppm, then there might be some trouble. You can add a small dose of dechlor to be on the safe side though. Adding a little dechlor is probably the smart thing to do in any case if you're not sure about the tap water.

Another way to find out about chlorine/chloramines is to get a water report from the water company. Having a detailed water report can be invaluable.

Here's an article about chlorine-
http://www.skepticalaquarist.com/docs/w ... rine.shtml


Also, You definitely don't need to use Cycle anymore if the filters are fully established.

I'm not sure about AquaPlus either. I read at their website that AquaPlus-
"Contributes a positive sedating effect against stress related to transportation, handling and introduction"

http://www.hagen.com/uk/aquatic/product ... 6510030101

You might want to figure out what that means.

[grizzlyone]

When I do larger water changes with my python, I just add a little Prime from SeaChem. It's part of my regular maintenance and I've had no ill effects from this treatment.

Kevin

[Auntsally]

Thanks again Chefkeith, and Grizzlyone. I was sold Cycle and Auqaplus ages ago and just keep on using without questioning why. Fish all well and rarely a problem, thank goodness, so just kept on!. These links good Chefkeith, and funny thing is, Grizzlyone, I have Prime but only use it if one of the levels peaks, so it usually sits in the cupboard unused! Am off to get that chlorine etc. level sorted. No time over the weekend to shop unfortunately.

[grizzlyone]

I use the Prime as it's not that expensive, handles all nasties and is safe for my plants (actually good for them according to the web site).

I threw out all the other stuff a long time ago. Right now for the big bottle is $7.99 at Petsmart. They reduced the price from $9.99 and now the regular price is $7.99


Kevin

[Auntsally]

thanks grizzlyone (your name conjurers up all sorts of visions) I'll be sticking with Prime from now on, and have emailed my water company to see if they have the chlorine levels etc. for my area. Think I am sorted now. Thanks everyone.