Stupied Question - Water Changes

[mikev63]

When I do my water changes should I turn off my filters, skimmers and Powerheads?

The reason i ask is becuase the water gets low and makes lots of noise and not sure if this stresses out the fish.

 

[Dubbin1]

I would turn them off so you dont run anything dry.

 

[jgoodrich71]

Also a good idea to unplug a heater at least 5 min before if heater is going to be exposed to air. If it is a glass one, it will shatter.

For most pumps, especially submersible, it is bad to run them dry.

 

[PatMayo]

I turn off all my pumps etc. when doing a water change and maintenance. It generally takes me about 1/2 to 45 minutes and it's all done.

Regards,

Pat

 

[TekCat]

I turn off everything that reside in the sump (skimmer pump, heater, return pump). In tank however I have running powerheads and backup heater.

 

[JR719]

Yep, shut them down. I've busted a heater not paying attention. Just make sure the water you are replacing is the same temperature and specific gravity. If you are making changes to the gravity, do it slow. Better to take out a gallon and raise or lower then add. If your pumps run dry you run the risk of ruining them.

 

[michaeldaly]

I only turn off pumps and items that I know will become exposed to air during the change.

 

[GreyG35]

For both my FW and Reef Tank, I have what I need to turn off during a water change on one power strip (with a switch), so I can just flip everthing off at once. Another strip powers lights, powerheads and the cabinet fan that I want to stay on. Makes things a little easier than hunting for plugs...I think at last count there are like 13 power cords under my reef...I finally got around to labeling them last week.

 

[PatMayo]

GreyG35
That is a good idea. Once I get my 90 set up I am going to set the electrical up that way as well. Like you say it makes it simple.

Regards,

Pat

 

[douglasnj]

I also use the powerstrip trick. Alot easier than trying to remember what to turn off and not forgetting to turn back on.

 

[GreyG35]

I hate to admit it, but a 3-4 years ago, I actually forgot to plug the heaters back in after changing the water in my 55G FW tank. The temp dropped 10 degrees before I noticed it...Luckily everything survived, but I was a little nervous for a few days. :eek1: Clown loaches are noted for being a little finnicky about water parameters, but they were just fine.

Fortunately, in my reef, it would be hard to notice the main pumps not being on, which seems to provide for most of my heating needs. I don't think the tank would drop below 75-77 in the winter even if I turned the heaters off (I keep it at 80).

 

[teena]

is it better to do 5gal change 1 time aweek or 20% change 1 time a month in a 55gal?

 

[jap1]

Does it matter what time of day (or night) you do the change? Before feeding or after feeding?

 

[teena]

i do it after i feed them. while the water is still. it realy upsets the tank pouring the water in. all the fish go hide. thats why i feed them first. but thats just how i do it that may not be the best way.