Aqueon Water Changer

[Polkadotpuffer]

Just purchased the Aquen water changer I hope it's good as everyone on youtube demonstarting it makes the process look easy... Cant wait to get it, anyone else have one of these? So pleased I dont need to lift buckets of water anymore haha

[LRU]

I have a different brand that I got after a year and a half of hauling buckets...I'm definitely liking it as well.

The main downsides are decreased pressure for suction and that the plastic parts can wear out quick, from what friends have told me. Plus you have to be careful to match temperature when filling the tanks back up and possibly add dechlorinator depending on your water source. Oh, and the fact that to get the suction going you have to 'waste' a gallon or so of water for every five gallons you are draining from the tank. But, doing this once or twice a week is pretty much like taking an extra shower, so doesn't add too much to the water bill, and saves your back.

The big upsides are not hauling buckets, ease of changing water, and if you pay attention, a lot less risk of dumping water all over the floor.

I really like mine and hope it holds up. Hopefully yours will as well.

[RTR]

I use a different brand of water changing device, but I would not be keeping tanks without such a device. Carrying water is dark ages stuff. Pumping water is far easier and better.

[Pufferpunk]

I use a Python & drain into my basement. No wasted water.

[LRU]

I use a Python & drain into my basement. No wasted water.

Do you have two Pythons, or how do you easily reconnect it back up to your sink to refill the tanks?

[G S P Freak]

Since I have to premix brackish water I still haul buckets around. I am young (21) and that sort of labor doesn't bother me yet, but I do make a mess with water and always have a spare towel around when doing water changes XD.

[Pufferpunk]

I use a Python & drain into my basement. No wasted water.

Do you have two Pythons, or how do you easily reconnect it back up to your sink to refill the tanks?

Brass quick hose connect.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015A ... B0015AUY3W

[Terrance]

When I had my freshwater tanks, I used the aqueon water changer. It was a nice unit. The faucet connector is a bit fragile IMO. Don't try to twist it on too tight or else it will crack. Mine cracked and I had to use glue to put it back together. I never wasted water since I disconnected the end from the faucet and clamped it in the toilet. Let gravity do all the work

[RTR]

I use the Python unit as well, and a dedicated (laundry) sink in my smallish tank room. I actually have two units, one sized for use within the tank room itself and another longer one to cover the rest of the house. Each hangs on hose reels above the tank room sink.

I also use aging tanks for mixing and storing water for tank use such that it is tempered and gives off excess dissolved gases or is brought to the desired salinity or whatever water modification or condition is desired or required.

Everything is pumped. Buckets are for washing gravel, or for drying sponges, not carrying water. This is the 21st century.

[Pufferpunk]

If the Aqueon is so cheap, I'd just go with the Python & be done with it. I do know last year Python was closed for business for a while & I had to buy Aqueon parts. I think I bought a hose connector from them. It didn't last very long at all... Just enough to get me by until Python was back.

[RTR]

Water handling equipment is quite basic to multi-tank folks. As Python was the original hobby tool for water movement, many of us use that brand. Those of us who know that this is a hobby for life also have learned that spare parts are basic and key to easy and accustomed operations. Those of us with some degree of varied disabilities also know that in-house spares are essential to smooth operation. I do have spares on hand for most of my equipment. It does smooth day-to-day operation and is in the long run not much of an expense.

[LRU]

Thanks for the heads up on the quick connect and the vote for Python being a good brand. I may save up for a Python but I plan to use this other one I picked up until it breaks. Got it for $15 so for that price it was a good test to get my feet wet (or hopefully the opposite ) compared to hauling buckets. Now that I quit hauling buckets, I just have to find a new weight lifting venue so I can keep impressing my wife.

[bertie 83]

Just to add my bit, cheap often doesn't work out being cheap. Parts often break and need replacing etc. often spending out a little more will get you an item that can last a lifetime. For an example take an eheim canister filter, you pay more but get a forever filter, other than the occasional o'ring or maybe an impeller they just don't break. But defo test it out and when you invest in the python compare and see what you think. Maybe invest in some weights to keep the wife impressed, or gym membership lol

[RTR]

"Practical" or "economical" equipment is hard to judge, as berttie points out above. Part of that is what is the best for you and the way you keep fish and how many tanks you operate. Python was the first tool of its kind, so old-timers like me tend t use that one. Some of it parts do wear out, and some may break, but if not abused it is quite lasting.

For external canisters I am an Eheim nut - they are the only brand I use. They are all but eternal. I have some ~40 years old which are still in constant use. As the oly use for them on my tanks is external biofiltration. I use in-tank sponge pre-filters on the external biofilters so I can easily do frequent particulate mechanical filter sponge rinses without having to open the canisters themselves. Those external biofilters use non-clogging biomedia, and are back-flushed with the first water change each month. Their internal foam pre-filters are removed and rinsed weekly. Eheim tubing on any given setup lasts indefinitely, but after ~tem years loses significant elasticity. If the set-up is reconfigured, you will likely need to replace the tubing, but if the configuration is unchanged, the tubing is good for 20-30 years easily. And, yes, I have several tank or systems which are identical in set-up that are 20-30 years old. Those are all super-easy tanks to maintain.

Eventually all my remaining tanks will be in that style of configuration. When you are getting older and have several physical issues to deal with, ease of operation is not laziness, it is make or break. If I am to continue in the hobby indefinitely, it must be both easy and relatively fool-proof. Things I once considered expensive - such as high-quality filters and tubing, have proved themselves to be far cheaper year after year than "less expensive" but short-lived and high-upkeep equipment. The older I get, the more I recognize that doing it right is the cheapest way to operate long-term.

FWIW.

[bertie 83]

Yup, such tools reduce the chores with tanks, ultimately making this hobby easier. It's certainly not lazy finding easier alternatives, it's common sense. Or do what I do and spend the same amount of time using quick alternatives resulting in super clean tanks