Easiest way to do PWC in 10 gal cycling tank?

[Jadedrain_06]

In the cycling process with both my 10 gallon tanks and was wondering the easiest safest way to do PWC? I am using a siphon and emptying the tank water into empty 1 gal water bottles so I know what percent I am taking out and able to put the conditioner into the bottled tap water prior to adding. Is that the right way? I am just really nervous about adding the water and then treating it moments later. Wouldn't the chlorine kill the bacteria I am growing?

 

[davePM]

In the cycling process with both my 10 gallon tanks and was wondering the easiest safest way to do PWC? I am using a siphon and emptying the tank water into empty 1 gal water bottles so I know what percent I am taking out and able to put the conditioner into the bottled tap water prior to adding. Is that the right way? I am just really nervous about adding the water and then treating it moments later. Wouldn't the chlorine kill the bacteria I am growing?

as long as you add the water conditioner (preferably PRIME) before you add the water to the tank, then you will have neutralized the chlorine before it gets into your tank.

 

[Link119]

I dont see why it wont work. The conditioner kills the chlorine so if you let the water sit in the jug for a few hours to let the chlorine die and the temperature to rise to the tanks.

 

[Jadedrain_06]

I am so new to this its amazing how complex the simplest things can be lol. So I can't empty water from the tank, fill the gallons back up with tap, put in Prime and add it to the tank right after? Please forgive me ignorance I just don't want to take a chance of killing the bacteria by doing it the wrong way. I thought the conditioners took the chlorine out instantly?

 

[davePM]

I am so new to this its amazing how complex the simplest things can be lol. So I can't empty water from the tank, fill the gallons back up with tap, put in Prime and add it to the tank right after? Please forgive me ignorance I just don't want to take a chance of killing the bacteria by doing it the wrong way. I thought the conditioners took the chlorine out instantly?

thats exactly what you do.

I siphon mine into a 25L bucket, refill bucket with fresh water, add PRIME, add to tank. (obviously match the temperature too!)

 

[jetajockey]

I siphon, add conditioner, and then refill directly from the tap, so however you do it will be fine, it works instantly.

 

[Phranque]

A much easier way of doing things is take a white/opaque 5gal bucket, add 1 (or half) gallon at a time, and use a sharpie to mark graduations on the side.... or just go buy one of these:
Shop Encore Plastics 5 Gallon EZ Grip Mix N' Measure Pail at Lowes.com

I use one of these since I blend RO/DI water with pre-filtered water to maintain specific GH/KH levels.


As far as adding your conditioner, do you know if your water district uses chlorine or chloromine in your tap water?? Chlorine is very unstable and will out-gas fairly quickly, whereas chloromine is much more stable. The reason I ask is when you add your conditioner, if you don't know which you have, you should let the water sit for 10-15 minutes in case you have chloromine, since conditioners can take a little longer to neutralize it. If you're doing small pwc's, it likely won't matter at all, but if you do a large change..... It may not make a hill of beans to some people, but I believe in a safety factor.