cleaning my tank....?

Question

what is the best way to clean my 125g tropical fish tank, no live plants, i have 2 pleco's and about 40 fish

Answer 1

I'm with Sly - the Python is great for large tanks. You can pick one up at PetSmart for $23.39 plus tax if you print out the following ad and take it to the store with you (they price match their own online prices):

http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441776792&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030123&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1159911216432&itemNo=0&Ntt=python&In=All&previousText=python&N=2

If you need an extender hose, they're also available at PetSmart, as well as any possible faucet adapters - just make sure you print out their online ad and take it with you, otherwise you'll end up paying out of your nose.

Just hook the pump up to your faucet, suck out about 20-40% of your water weekly, and refill using the same hose. Adjust the temperature of the tap water to within a couple of degrees of your tank water. Add dechlorinator to the tank as you're refilling it. Voila! I've had my Python since July, and I can attest to the fact that it is one heck of a backsaver - no more lugging buckets of water around.

Answer 2

Get yourself a Python No-Spill syphoning system...

Python No-Spill
http://pythonproducts.com/nospill.htm

As for any other kind of cleaning (such as putting the fish into another tank, draining this 125g, and cleaning it) I would suggest a mixture of Pure/Clear Ammonia (no suds or surficants) with water. It will nitrify any leftovers when you refill and recycle, and it's the safest way to do so.

Also - no tap water directly for clearning parts - too much Chlorine/Chloramine if you do not have a water purifier of some sort.

Good luck!

Answer 3

A siphon/gravel washer is probably the easiest way, it can help to remove the majority of the fish waste out of the tank. Make sure that you don't remove more them 25% of the water a week or you may destroy too many beneficial bacteria, causing spikes in amhttp://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/NavResults.cfm?cm_mmc=LiveAquaria_DFS_Links-_-Fish_Supplies-_-LiveAquaria_Gen_Page-_-Maintenance&ref=3969&subref=AA&N=2004+113164monia, nitrites and nitrates.
A

Answer 4

by sandblast