Five Tips for the Perfect Water Change [SIMPLE, FAST and EFFECTIVE]

My water change routine has changed and evolved over the years. In this video I share with you my current step-by-step tips for a perfect water change, every time. This method is fast, simple and gets the job done. I also get into my thoughts on the why we do water changes.
It's much more than just lowering nitrates! It benefits our fish in many other ways that I will cover in this video. I'll show you my entire weekly routine, step-by-step, including five tips that will ensure that you have healthy and happy fish!
How do you do your water changes? Share your routine below and any steps you think I might have left out or could do differently. We are always learning from each other on this channel! If you like the content of this channel and you are like me, always thirsty for more knowledge on how better care for our fish, why not hit that sub button and bell? Thanks!
Here are some links to products I've used and recommend. You get a great deal by using these links and you help the channel:
Filters:
SunSun 302-B (265 gph): https://amzn.to/2Y6Ylhy
SunSun 704-B (525 gph with UV): https://amzn.to/2YFbHjV
SunSun HW 3000 (793 with UV): https://amzn.to/3hCm54W
Filter pads for all SunSun filters: https://amzn.to/30Ieg7E
Cut your own filter pads: https://amzn.to/2zD6SiP
SunSun Pre-Filter (goes over intake): https://amzn.to/3fv6aU1
Pinky Filters: https://amzn.to/30QLNMS
Flexible hose cleaning brush: https://amzn.to/2N5x8p7
SunSun Pre-Filter (In-Line Canister): https://amzn.to/2UQ79WX
SunSun Canister O-Ring replacement: https://amzn.to/2BhU7uf
SunSun UV 9W replacement bulb: https://amzn.to/2N0eoHB
Suggested Bio Media that I use in my canisters:
Biohome Ultimate: https://amzn.to/3e8Cs70
MarinePure: https://amzn.to/37z9UB7
CNZ sponge filled bio-balls: https://amzn.to/3e7aitd
Pumice stone: https://amzn.to/2Y6vk5t
Crushed coral/aragonite: https://amzn.to/2N6DYKM
Chemical Filtration I've Used with Good Results:
Seachem Purigen: https://amzn.to/3hCygyG
Seachem Matrix Carbon: https://amzn.to/2Y6sOft
Mesh bags: https://amzn.to/2AJb4hj
Fluval FX-6 Canister Filter: https://amzn.to/30KhPu1
Other items:
Suggested substrate (aragonite): https://amzn.to/2N6DYKM
My favorite LED lights: https://amzn.to/2N0YrRd
Inexpensive Powerheads: https://amzn.to/2N5dTMu
Better quality Powerhead (Hydor): https://amzn.to/37y8pTT
Heaters I use:
Eheim: https://amzn.to/3e2PByp
Cobalt Neo Therm: https://amzn.to/2N5eFZU
API (Black Plastic Shielded): https://amzn.to/3e8HujY
Recommended Meds to have on hand:
Fritz Maracyn 2: https://amzn.to/2UJRqJ1
API Furan 2: https://amzn.to/2N10iWb
API General Cure: https://amzn.to/3ejsFLe
Kordon Ick Attack: https://amzn.to/37A2iOF
Seachem Metroplex: https://amzn.to/2N5g9TY
Seachem Garlic Guard: https://amzn.to/2N3W549
Seachem Focus: https://amzn.to/2Ax8yef
Water Treatment Products I Use & Recommend:
Seachem Prime: https://amzn.to/37xa1gD
Seachem Safe: https://amzn.to/3d7Tscn
Seachem Lake Salt: https://amzn.to/30PeQ3A
Seachem Pristine: https://amzn.to/3ejvEDq
Seachem Clarity: https://amzn.to/2CdDCA4
Aquarium Quick Start Products I Recommend:
Seachem Stability: https://amzn.to/3e2SgYS
Fritz Turbo Start: https://amzn.to/3d7UXr1
Dr. Tim's One and Only: https://amzn.to/2CdEFju
For more fish keeping videos with tricks, tips and hacks, check out these playlists:
For "My Best Fish Keeping Tips" click here:
   • "Best Fish Keeping Tips" Videos from ...  
For tips and tricks with Fluval FX canister filters go here:
   • Fluval FX Canister Filter Playlist - ...  
For tips and tricks with SunSun canister filters go here:
   • SunSun Canister Filter Reviews and Ti...  
For videos on water changes and controlling nitrates, click here:
   • Water Change, Maintaining the Best Wa...  
For videos on general canister filter maintenance, click here:
   • Aquarium Canister Filter Maintenance,...  
My Top 10 most popular videos of all time:
   • Most Popular Videos with Over 100k Vi...  

Visit my Facebook group page: "Ben O'Cichlid" for a friendly and helpful group of fish keepers. "Cichlid" is in the group name but it welcomes all types of fish keepers from beginner to advanced. Be sure to answer all of the join-in questions so that the admins let you in (it's how we keep out the trolls and bots). Also, for behind the scenes pictures and video, follow me on Instagram at: ben.o.cichlid. There's more: Join me on most Saturdays for the "Cichlids and Coffee" live stream@11am Central. Great topics, a great group of fish keepers and your questions answered LIVE!
Shout-outs to Christopher Martin for the Cichlids & Coffee logo, to Sam Penny for the Youtube channel banner art and to Phil Griffiths for the dropping fish video, for putting Sam's artwork in the surf and for the channel icon! Never forget - you reading this - YOU ROCK!