Tank sanitation

[Gershom]

Have you tested your water?

Yes

If yes, what is your ammonia?

Dipstick—0

If yes, what is your nitrite?

Dipstick—0

If yes, what is your nitrate?

Dipstick—0-10 after water change, 10-20 before

If I did not test my water...

...I recognize that I will likely be asked to do a test, and that water tests are critical for solving freshwater health problems.

Do you do water changes?

Yes

What percentage of water do you change?

41-50%

How frequently do you change your water?

Every week

If I do not change my water...

...I recognize that I will likely be recommended to do a water change, and water changes are critical for preventing future freshwater health problems.

I’m new to using submersible pumps to drain and refill my tanks, which I’m sure many of you guys (and girls) have been doing for a while.

It seems unreasonable (to me) to use separate pumps and hoses for each tank. So I wondered about having a bucket with antiseptic dip, to use between tanks…. Does anyone do that or have ideas about it?
Thanks for all help!
Gersh

 

[LBDave]

I use a transfer pump and hose for 2 tanks. Don't disinfect anything.
There are some diseases that can be transmitted to other tanks but I have never had an issue with it.
If this scenario crops up I do disinfect what I stick in the other tank until I cure the situation.
What you describe would make my life miserable.

 

[TwoHedWlf]

Unless you have a disease, I you're talking about with a quarantine tank I wouldn't worry about keeping everything completely separate or sterilizing between tanks.
In THOSE instances, yeah, I'd go for completely separate.

 

[Gershom]

That sounds sensible—I like that approach.
Thanks to you both!