Water Changes!?

[colin779]

So here's an interesting question. What type of system do you use to keep yourself on schedule with water changes (write it on a calendar, random post it note, phone reminder, maybe you're like an elephant and never forget)? I'm trying to come up with a way to keep myself on task with them, summer is just a busy time of year so my water change schedule usually suffers.

 

[akunochi]

Try to make it part of your routine. That way even if you don't do it right then because you have something planned (like a fishing, camping, road trip) then you at least KNOW you missed it and will make sure you do it either as soon as you return or before you leave. I for example do it every Sunday morning. If I am going to be gone I do it Sat. The advantage of doing it every week is that if for some reason I do have an exceptionally busy weekend the tank won't suffer even if it gees that extra week.

Also depending how advanced your system is most system controllers will text/email you updates and alerts on your tank or even automate your water changes (my next step)

 

[mojoreef]

Hmm water changes?? whats that..lol

 

[Krish]

Hmm water changes?? whats that..lol

Haha! You aren't a good example Mojo! What's it been??? A year now?? LOL!!


I used a calendar. Not to remind me of when to clean (because I have OCD so I knew once a week the tank got a water change), but I used the calendar as a sort of log. If I cleaned the sumped, I logged it on that date. If I changed carbon, I logged it on that date etc so when something went out of whack or I couldn't remember something, I could go back to my calendar and knew exactly when everything took place. I even logged which fish were added on which day.

As far as the iphone/itouch/ipad goes, I think they have an app for this. I vaguely remember seeing something like this so if you have either of the three, search it. I think it even has an alarm to remind you when to do something.

 

[akunochi]

lol....yes or you could take mojo's example....

 

[NC2WA]

Personally, I've adopted the schedule that akunochi suggest and made it part of my daily routine. (yes, I know I need and been to fish therapy)

I know that every two weeks I need to change the water, clean skimmer, change the filters, you get the idea.

 

[user 2204]

I use a reef software program to keep everything from tank parameters to maintenance reminders. I am almost always at the computer once a day and the program pops up reminders on what tasks need to be performed on any particular day.

Other than taht I try and keep all my tasks that I perform to a specif day of the week. I do WC on Mondays, but with yesterday being a holiday this week it is Tuesday. I always input what I do into the log on the reef software. I am able to keep up to ten tanks on this program.

Cheers,
Alex

 

[akunochi]

I use my computer as a log for things that go wrong and day to day activities. I am trying to force it to become habit so that when I have many many tanks running it will be able to log success and failures.

 

[user 2204]

The log also helps with tank parameters. I can go back and see what my Ca or Alk has been over the last, say year. Very cool stuff.

 

[user 26995]

I use a reef software program to keep everything from tank parameters to maintenance reminders. I am almost always at the computer once a day and the program pops up reminders on what tasks need to be performed on any particular day.

Other than taht I try and keep all my tasks that I perform to a specif day of the week. I do WC on Mondays, but with yesterday being a holiday this week it is Tuesday. I always input what I do into the log on the reef software. I am able to keep up to ten tanks on this program.

Cheers,
Alex

What software is that Alex. Sounds like something I need. With 6 tanks going I dont remember what tank I did what to or when. I'm horrible. I do a water change on two tanks at a time about every 4-6 weeks. Except for the Pico. It gets a half gallon water change every week since there is no skimmer on it.
I should actually put a written schedule on the inside door of each tank to write up what was done and when.
I do top off manually every morning and afternoon so I check the skimmers in the afternoon and take care of them when needed.

 

[NWDiver]

I keep a log book for param's, notes, water changes etc.
I have a white board where I note the water change amount and date.
Mostly I have a routine that I do everyday, and one that is Tuesday/Thursday/whichever weekend day is better for me.

 

[akunochi]

i do top off manually every morning.

oh hell no! Lol

 

[user 2204]

What software is that Alex. Sounds like something I need. With 6 tanks going I dont remember what tank I did what to or when. I'm horrible. I do a water change on two tanks at a time about every 4-6 weeks. Except for the Pico. It gets a half gallon water change every week since there is no skimmer on it.
I should actually put a written schedule on the inside door of each tank to write up what was done and when.
I do top off manually every morning and afternoon so I check the skimmers in the afternoon and take care of them when needed.

Hi Lorrie,

The software I currently use is no longer sold and not available any longer. It is called Reefcon Pro. I could make a copy for you if you'd like. As it still functions, just have to manually update the coral,fish and invert database.
There is another, more expensive and less than adequate, version that I don't personally think is worth the cost, but here's the link for that one.
New Marine Aquarium Software - AquarioGest Saltwater

Of course there's always the good ol' MS Excel program too. And I've also read that some people use iObserve by Apple.


Cheers,
Alex

 

[user 26995]

Hi Lorrie,

The software I currently use is no longer sold and not available any longer. It is called Reefcon Pro. I could make a copy for you if you'd like. As it still functions, just have to manually update the coral,fish and invert database.
There is another, more expensive and less than adequate, version that I don't personally think is worth the cost, but here's the link for that one.
New Marine Aquarium Software - AquarioGest Saltwater

Of course there's always the good ol' MS Excel program too. And I've also read that some people use iObserve by Apple.


Cheers,
Alex

Come to think of it, I started an exel doc back when I started my first tank....hmmmm wonder what happened to it. Ahha, found it. Last updated fed 19, 2010.....Lot of good it did me! LOL

 

[user 26995]

Hey Colin779...It is good to get into a schedule. Just some of us...me...cant stay on track. But it would be good to have a routine like everyone mentioned.

 

[Peppie]

I am a weekend kinda guy. I turn on the Race, or game, depending on the season. Then it is time to do mait.
I like the idea of marking the calender for filter media changes. I probably to it to often or not often enough.
See that I learned a new trick today.
THANKS!!!!
Peppie

 

[colin779]

Wow, thanks for all the great suggestions. Ill probably look into one of the computer versions since I am on my computer daily. I have checked the android market a few times for some sort of app. I probably could utilize the calender on my phone to help me out. Once upon a time I had a notebook I kept, probably a good backup option.

I also manually top off every morning =)