"HyperCube33" wrote in
:

What conditions prompt a water change?

For me, the condition called "Sunday"... :-)

What test kit results (high
nitrates, etc) would be an indication for a partial water change?
Debris buildup...blah blah.


Yes, nitrates, etc people use water parameters as a "trigger" for a water
change, some to great success. For me, its more like an oil change; you
do it at 3K to 5K miles, not because the oil has degraded fully, but as a
preventative measure against undue wear on the engine that would result if
you were to let the oil fully degrade. BTW, I hate analogies...

Also, some things (like total dissolved solids) are difficult for the
home aquarist to measure. A 20% water change a week keeps the Old Tank
Syndrome away. (say it to yourself like "an apple a day...") Its risk
management against future trouble.


Any favorite tools used to change the water?


Some 5 gallon buckets, and a manual siphon gravel vac. My tap water needs
some "attention" before it can go into the tanks, so no pythons for me...
*shrug*

DaveZ
Atom Weaver