silly question...

[GSP]

I know this is a silly question but, how do you do a water change? I planned on doing a 50 tomorrow and then I realized... I dont know how.

The name leads me to believe its simple but a few questions of mine are how do I get the water out, or do I need to cycle the water first?

So I thought I would ask you all to give me a run down on how YOU do your water change.

Thanks!

[yunachin]

Not silly at all.
You first need to have your r/o water or your conditioned water from the tap the same temperature as your tank. If you are using tap water you need to let it set overnight as well as follow the manufacturers directions on any type of product you add to it.
A python siphon is the best bet to get down into your gravel and remove and wastes, if you don't have one you can pick one up at your LFS. Most owners are more than happy to give you a run down on how to use one.
You then drain your percentage of water out of your tank after you have cleaned your gravel and replace the water removed with the new water. You can clean any decor as needed during this time. Remember not to use any chemicals or soaps on decor, but a rag and some warm water usually gets any algae right off.

[crazedpuffer]

Water changes are kinda difficult once you start. It gets much much easier the more you do it!
Someone should make a training video and put it on youtube or something...

[GSP]

What if I have substrate and not gravel? Wont the vacuum suck that up too?

[Pufferpunk]

What kind of substrate? Just drain out 1/2 the water, add 1 drop Prime/gal (a dropperfull treats about 20g) & then fill with the same temp water from the tap. Don't worry about adding salt for now.