Freshwater

first set it up, and you also need to top off your tank from time to time as the
water evaporates. And don’t forget those weekly water changes. All that
water lugging gets old quickly.
It’s best to use a faucet that other family members don’t use very often so
you don’t inconvenience them by using the tap all the time. A faucet in a
spare bathroom is an excellent place to work from.
Checking the source
Make sure that the water you are going to use is free from heavy metals and
other hazardous content. For example, if you are using water from an old well
or any other source that may contain large amounts of iron and other metals,
take a sample to your local water company or university and see if they will
test it for you to make sure that it is safe for not only your own consumption
but for your fish as well.
City water has chlorine, but that can all be removed using dechlorinator from
your local fish store.
Using a Python
Chapter 3: Finding a Good Location
Don’t panic — we’re not talking about a snake here. A Python is actually an
amazing aquarium vacuum that can be found at most fish stores. It’s a long,
clear water hose with one end that connects to your sink faucet. (Depending
on your fixture, you may have to purchase an adapter.) The other end of the
Python has a large plastic tube that suctions up water and gathers debris
from around the substrate (gravel or other aquarium floor covering). The
faucet end has a little gadget that you push up or down to direct the water to
either go from the faucet to the end of the hose or to suck water from the
other end so that water spills into the sink.
Pythons are usually available in many lengths at pet shops. Get one long
enough to hook one end up to the sink and suck the water out of the aquarium
with the other. To replace the water, reverse the python’s plastic switch,
put the other end in a clean bucket by your aquarium, and fill it up. After
adding dechlorinator, pick up the bucket and slowly pour the water into your
aquarium. This method is much easier than hauling water back and forth
across your home. Make sure the water you are adding is the same temperature
as the water in the tank by using a thermometer.
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