Who Gives A Fish Forums

I'm still trying to get back on track after a series of medical procedures from Jan to Mar this year that really messed with my memory. Today, I was getting my gear ready for a water change, and I just froze - I had no idea what to do next. I sat there, holding the gravel vac and tube, trying to think it through.

It's pretty embarrassing to admit, but I've had to learn this stuff all over again. I originally picked it up from a library book and some YouTube videos, but now it's all fuzzy. I'm not looking for someone to hold my hand through the process, I just need a solid resource to refer to. Does anyone know of a good online guide or a YouTube video that covers the basics?

I'd really appreciate it if you could point me in the right direction. And if you've got any words of encouragement for a beginner-again like me, that'd be great too.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and for your help.

bertha

I'm still trying to get my bearings here - I had a series of medical procedures earlier this year that really took a toll on my memory. When I went to do my water change today, I realized I couldn't recall the specifics of the process. I'm using a gravel vac and tube, but I'm not sure if I'm doing it correctly.

I'm not looking for a step-by-step guide, just a reliable resource to refer to. Do you know of any good online tutorials or YouTube videos that could help me out? Also, I'm curious - are you using a gravel vac and buckets for your water changes, or do you use a device like the Python Water Changer that attaches to your sink? My tanks are moderately sized, but I'm not sure if that makes a difference in the grand scheme of things.

Thanks for any advice or guidance you can offer - it's really appreciated, and I'm just trying to get back on track here.

fineman wrote: ↑Fri Mar 28, 2025 10:54 am I'm still trying to get my bearings here - I had a series of medical procedures earlier this year that really took a toll on my memory. When I went to do my water change today, I realized I couldn't recall the specifics of the process. I'm using a gravel vac and tube, but I'm not sure if I'm doing it correctly.

I'm not looking for a step-by-step guide, just a reliable resource to refer to. Do you know of any good online tutorials or YouTube videos that could help me out? Also, I'm curious - are you using a gravel vac and buckets for your water changes, or do you use a device like the Python Water Changer that attaches to your sink? My tanks are moderately sized, but I'm not sure if that makes a difference in the grand scheme of things.

Thanks for any advice or guidance you can offer - it's really appreciated, and I'm just trying to get back on track here.

Fineman, I'm still a bit of a novice, so bear with me. My tank's 15 gallons, but I've been told only 10 of those gallons are for the fish - the rest, I'm not entirely sure where they've gone. I think they might be hiding behind a rear panel with the filtration and heater, but that sectioned-off area doesn't seem quite big enough to hold five gallons. I've seen those Python Water changers on YouTube, but I don't think they'd be suitable for my little tank. I'm sticking with the gravel vac and buckets method - and I'm grateful I can still recall that much, probably because I know exactly where the equipment is and it's familiar to me.

I found something that might help me with my water change woes. Apparently, not just the gravel vac method, but also using a syphon, is a viable way to do a water change. I also learned that substrate and ornament/decor take up some of the tank's water capacity - that explains why my 15-gallon tank is supposed to only hold 10 gallons of water for the fish.

When you're refilling your tank, make sure the tap water is pretty close to the same temperature as the water in your tank. It's also crucial to add the right amount of dechlorinator to the bucket when you're using tap water to refill your tank.

I really appreciate the video you shared on how to do a water change with a syphon. It's amazing how much I must have gotten by on luck before, because after watching that, I'm not sure how I managed to do water changes without messing up my tank or stressing out my fish.

I watched the video a couple of times and then decided to give it a try. The only thing that got hurt was the towel on the floor when the tube slipped out of the bucket. My fish were a bit freaked out, but they calmed down pretty quickly once I was done. Thankfully, they didn't get so stressed that they tried to jump out.

I'm planning to take out the one big decorative item I have in there - it's probably taking up more space than I realized. And I'm looking forward to planting the tank as soon as I can get around easily - I've got foot surgery this morning, so that'll be a while.

Thanks again for your help - it really made a big difference for me. Sorry it's taken me a bit to follow up, I appreciate your patience.

Wishing you the best for your upcoming foot surgery this morning, hoping it all goes smoothly and you'll be back on your feet soon.

bertha wrote: ↑Fri Mar 28, 2025 9:57 am I'm still trying to get back on track after a series of medical procedures from Jan to Mar this year that really messed with my memory. Today, I was getting my gear ready for a water change, and I just froze - I had no idea what to do next. I sat there, holding the gravel vac and tube, trying to think it through.

It's pretty embarrassing to admit, but I've had to learn this stuff all over again. I originally picked it up from a library book and some YouTube videos, but now it's all fuzzy. I'm not looking for someone to hold my hand through the process, I just need a solid resource to refer to. Does anyone know of a good online guide or a YouTube video that covers the basics?

I'd really appreciate it if you could point me in the right direction. And if you've got any words of encouragement for a beginner-again like me, that'd be great too.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and for your help.

bertha

No need to be embarrassed about asking for help - I've been in similar shoes. I had a stroke back in 2014 and memory loss has been a daily challenge for me since then, especially with short-term memory. It's actually why I stopped giving lectures.

Emeraldsea wrote: ↑Fri Mar 28, 2025 3:51 pm

bertha wrote: ↑Fri Mar 28, 2025 9:57 am I'm still trying to get back on track after a series of medical procedures from Jan to Mar this year that really messed with my memory. Today, I was getting my gear ready for a water change, and I just froze - I had no idea what to do next. I sat there, holding the gravel vac and tube, trying to think it through.

It's pretty embarrassing to admit, but I've had to learn this stuff all over again. I originally picked it up from a library book and some YouTube videos, but now it's all fuzzy. I'm not looking for someone to hold my hand through the process, I just need a solid resource to refer to. Does anyone know of a good online guide or a YouTube video that covers the basics?

I'd really appreciate it if you could point me in the right direction. And if you've got any words of encouragement for a beginner-again like me, that'd be great too.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and for your help.

bertha

No need to be embarrassed about asking for help - I've been in similar shoes. I had a stroke back in 2014 and memory loss has been a daily challenge for me since then, especially with short-term memory. It's actually why I stopped giving lectures.

I'm truly sorry to hear that you're still dealing with memory loss, Emeraldsea. It's completely understandable that you'd stop giving lectures - it must be incredibly challenging. Was lecturing a significant part of your work or more of a passion project?

graye wrote: ↑Fri Mar 28, 2025 2:34 pm Wishing you the best for your upcoming foot surgery this morning, hoping it all goes smoothly and you'll be back on your feet soon.

Thanks, Graye. The foot surgery went well, and I'm already allowed to walk with a cane for support - a big plus. I was worried I'd be off it for two weeks, so this is a relief.