Filling up a tank is such a constant in a fish keeper's life. Whether its through evaporation, water change, or starting fresh, no fish keeper enjoys the sand storm that gets stirred up from your perfectly designed tank.
There are a few ways to avoid this, keep an eye out for our article "Rinse or not to Rinse?" on different substrate type. Regardless of our best efforts, the dust cloud seems to always return. If you suspect the way you fill up your tank to be the issue, lets talk about it.
I used to struggle with messing up sloped substrate, not too rooted plants, and just making my tank look like a mess. This was because I was using a bucket as my main way to fill up the tank. For many, the bucket method is a familiar pain. Well, if applicable, take a moment to consider these other methods.
1. Use a Watering Can
I personally use this one* that has 2.6 gallon capacity (despite its potential design flaws), but any watering can is efficient for this method. The main point of this method is the multi-hole spout and an easy to hold handle. Instead of the metal bucket handle and having to lift it and push it over the edge into the tank, a watering can is designed to not pour until tilted into a position to water. The spout allows the water to enter the tank evenly and cause less disturbance under the surface. Such a method is especially helpful for any tanks 2-20 gallons.
2. A 2 liter bottle
This one is a bit of a DIY project but can work for larger tanks or smaller tanks provided a watering can isn't available or convenient.
Step one: Rinse out a 2 liter bottle (do not use soap)
Step two: Cut the bottle in half
Step three: Drill/cut holes in the bottom of the bottle
Step four (optional): Attach suction cups to the bottle
3. A Bowl
This will create some disturbance in the soil but isn't nearly as bad as direct pressure. The strategy here is to place the bowl in the tank and aim the water flow towards the bowl. If the tank is empty, the water will overflow over the bowl and slowly fill up the tank. If the tank is full, the water flow will only push into the substrate a little and will prevent everything from getting kicked up.
4. A Plastic Sheet or Tarp
This one I only recommend in the case of an empty tank. Placing a small tarp or plastic sheet over your delicate fresh planting job can prevent the water flow from uprooting and disturbing the details of the aquarium.
5. A Hose
I use a hose personally on my larger tanks where the water temperature doesn't matter as much. I pull it in from the front door or the back depending on which is closer, and position it in a way where the flow of the hose hits hardscape. You can also position it using the bowl or the 2 liter bottle method. A hose is very unpredictable, it is important to let the water temperature even out, especially if the hose sits outside in the summer. It is also risky to leave your tank to fill up unattended. I have had a few run ins with almost overflowing my tank before. The hose could also come loose and fall all over the floor the tank is in. Regardless of these risks, a hose is an easy quick way to fill up large tanks and preform water changes on them.
6. Pouring the water onto hardscape
If any of the above methods just aren't working for you. While it may not be perfect, directing the water flow onto a piece of wood or rock in your hardscape will still distribute the flow's pressure somewhat and can be a good substitute for the above methods.
Comments