Tank maintanance and how I do it

[Rare]

Now that I got your attention we shall start this thread. Over the past few weeks a few threads have been coming up on this subject. Some very good threads might I add.

This thread that I start has more to so about the maintenance and how I do it. I might be only the few that gets a kick on do it and I don't mind at all. At the end I like to sit back and enjoy the work I did. The cichlids are used to it & you can see them do a body dance with the new water. Almost looks as if they want to get it on. Not sure if that the new mineral being replenished or whatnot. There is 21 cichlids in this aquarium. I can really go 2-3 weeks without PWC as i tested the water and hovers at 20 nitrate. I will be adding more cichlids so this will be part of the normal routine of every week. I also have an ehiem 2080 running but I do that every month. Next week I clean the clear tube & eheim filter.. as well as the work below.

So, be proud and show us how you do it....lol

On with the show...Enjoy!


The 130g will be worked on today.

With the filters still running I do a general scrub on all the rocks.

The crew coming out to check whats going on.

Cleaning the inside glass.

I bring out the 32g bin. Plug in the pump & the hose

I do it this way to give water to our plants and some areas of our grass.

Now I start working inside with my hand to stir up the sand.

Moving the poop from the back area to the front.

Tube is in place

The siphon has started.

Now time to clean the whole tank. This is a smaller hose which I can take my time & clean all areas very well. 3/4 in.

Nothing goes to waste!

Plants are looking good

Drink up

Water levels are going down & the poop as well. lol

 

[Rare]

Getting closer

That's good enough.

Take out the sump water and cleaning inside

Removing the last trace of old water

Now it's time to refill & add the hose back on

Adding Safe by Prime

Water is filling up..Lets clean the filter

The prefilter

The prime filter

Ewww...lol

And the post-stock, yes post stock not pre-stock..lol

Lets take it all outside for a water blast

Gunk be gone!

Water is brown if you look close

That's better

Next up!

 

[Rare]

Almost there

That looks good!

The Post-sock

Now the inside

That's better!

Now put it in the soultion and let it soak overnight to kill anything else in there

Let's bring out the other filters that are ready to go. Main filter

Pre-filter

And now you know why it's call the post-stock & not pre-stock...lol

Water level are almost to the top

Sand floating on top

Lets kick start the powerhead to stir some of the sand that's floating

Snad has started to fall

The guys are starting to come out

Water is now filling the sump

Looks very nice