Question about water chemistry?

Thank you very much.

it is perfectly fine to simply drain, add dechlor and refill. 

For most fish, consistency is more important than "perfect" water parameters.

Agreed - best way to go, but I don't keep rifts either

it is perfectly fine to simply drain, add dechlor and refill. 

I usually do a 50 - 60% change once per week.  I drain all the water; add a very unscientific amount of powdered de-chlor; refill with tap water that feels like it is warm enough.

Very low tech.

Caveat - the following is an opinion -

Any chemicals you add in the Chicago area, assuming you are keeping rift valley, victorian, central american and most non black water south american fish are a waste.  If you are trying to keep soft water cichlids in moderate to hard water - you may need to alter your water; the reverse is also true. 

For most fish, consistency is more important than "perfect" water parameters.

I used to tweak my parameters with Kent products;  I needed 8.6 PM and some crazy level of gh/dh.  When I ran out of the products and the store was out too, I went three weeks with out the stuff and my fish spawned, ate, grew, etc. 

I stopped adding stuff at that point.

Thanks. One more question though. Do you just add declor to the tank and then just fill straight from the tap? Just wondering because that would be my only way to do so.

I add Epsom Salts, non-iodized table salt and baking soda at each water change.

Skip...

two for de-chlorinater and go.

I never have, I just declor and go

Since most of us here get our water from Lake Michigan do You have to buffer our water for Tangs or Malawi? By buffer I mean other then rocks and or gravel.