Are you an animal lover? If so, then you understand the amount of satisfaction that pets can add to your life.
This includes owning fish in an aquarium. After all, exotic fish are fascinating to watch. It’s also fun to create a world for them in the aquarium so that they are able to feel totally at home.
Owning an aquarium also requires a certain amount of upkeep in order for it to stay clean so that your exotic fish remain as healthy as possible.
The article takes a look at how to change fish tank water in order to provide an ideal environment for your aquatic friends. Keep reading to get the inside scoop.
The Equipment You’ll Need
Before cleaning your tank, you’ll need a few items for the job, including:
- Algae pad or magnet
- Thermometer
- Water testing kit
- Siphon gravel vacuum
- Water conditioner
- 5-gallon bucket
Make sure the bucket is used only for cleaning your fish tank and not for anything else that might contaminate it.
Removing Your Fish
Is it absolutely necessary to remove your fish before cleaning the aquarium? Nope.
This step is really up to you. Some people prefer to leave their fish in the tank during the cleaning process. But if you’d rather avoid the hassle of working around them, you can certainly place them in a separate vessel for holding while you complete the task.
Just keep in mind that removing them from the tank might be a little stressful for your fish, and also increases the potential for injuries as you move them back and forth.
Preparing Fresh Tank Water
Now, let’s prepare your water for cleaning.
You’d be wise to perform this task the night before in order to eliminate toxins such as unwanted heavy metals and chlorine. This will also help to ensure that your water is the proper temperature for cleaning.
To prepare the freshwater, simply fill your bucket at the tap and add the water conditioner so that it can sit overnight.
Preparing the Tank
Next, you’ll need to position your water heater so that it remains fully submerged while water is being siphoned out. Why? Because if the heater becomes exposed, it can overheat and crack.
It’s also a smart idea to turn off your filter.
Cleaning the Sides of Your Tank
This is where you’ll need your algae pad or magnet. Gently scrub everything inside. This includes the sides of the tank as well as your tank decorations.
You should also buy aiptasia eating filefish to keep things clean.
Siphon the Water and Rinse the Filter Media
Go ahead and siphon the water directly into your bucket. During this part of the cleaning fish water process, be sure to remove as much waste as possible. Then rinse your filter media off in the bucket rather than the tap to avoid exposure to chlorine in the tap water.
Adding the Fresh Water
Once everything in the tank is nice and clean, you’re ready to add fresh water.
Check the temperature of the freshwater before adding it to the aquarium. And don’t overfill, otherwise, your fish won’t have enough space for their oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.
A Complete Guide on How to Change Fish Tank Water
Owning exotic fish is a great way to enrich the atmosphere in your home. Fortunately, the tips contained here for how to change fish tank water will help them stay happy and healthy for years to come.
Keep exploring our blog to discover more great lifestyle tips and advice!