Do you need to wash your fish tank? To learn how to do this, grab a chair, get comfortable and start reading this article. Are you ready?
Steps
Step 1. The water needs to be changed weekly by at least 25% (sometimes even more; depending on the type of water and fish)
The frequency and quantity depend on the results of the weekly tests which are not described in this article. On this page you will find only basic instructions on how to change the water in a simple and effective way that does not stress the fish or the master
Step 2. Make sure you have the necessary tools
First, you will need containers large enough to put the water you are removing from the tub and all that you will be replacing. In addition, to remove chlorine and heavy metals from tap water, you will need a dechlorinator and a special vacuum cleaner to clean the bottom of the tray.
You should find this equipment at an aquarium specialist store. Water containers can be found cheaply in DIY stores or those specializing in camping equipment. Make sure they are suitable for holding "food"
Step 3. Prepare the clean water that you will put in the fish tank
To do this, fill the “clean” container with tap water and bring it to the same temperature as the one already in the tub (you can use boiling water from a special additional heater). If you have an aquarium with combined heating, you can use hot water directly from the tap.
Step 4. Add the dechlorinator to the fresh water, mix well and start preparing the tank (see step 3)
If you need to add dressings, greenery, salts or anything else to the water, this is the right time to do it.
Step 5. Don't try too hard
You will have to move back and forth with containers filled with water. Consider that 1 liter of water weighs 1 kg. If you have to carry a lot of them and they are too heavy for you, use smaller containers. Remember to put towels around the tub, as water will surely fall out. For now, don't think about clean water, but make sure you have empty containers close at hand.
Step 6. If you have to walk on a tiled or laminate floor, we recommend that you purchase an anti-slip mat
Use slippers or shoes to protect your feet and keep them dry.
Step 7. Before replacing the old water, do tests to check ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH levels
Remove the algae that have formed on the inside surfaces of the tank. For this operation, a green abrasive sponge is recommended (a new one that you will use only for this purpose). Be careful not to rub the glass.
Step 8. To transfer the water, use a vacuum cleaner
This tool also removes solid waste accumulated at the bottom of the tank. Transfer the water to the empty containers you prepared earlier. For gravel at the bottom, try to vacuum the dirt about an inch from the surface by moving the vacuum slightly inside the tub. For sand, however, it is a bit more complicated: you will need to move the nozzle over the dense sand, trying to separate it from the solid waste.
Step 9. Check the containers carefully to make sure you haven't accidentally racked your fish
If the water isn't that dirty, you can throw it out in the garden. It is an excellent fertilizer!
Step 10. Very slowly (in order not to disturb and not to frighten the fish), pour in the new water making sure not to move the decorations and the gravel in the bottom of the tank
To make the operation easier, it is recommended to use small and light containers.
Step 11. Finished
Advice
- To make sure the fish is always happy, change the decorations and environment of the bottom of the tank often.
- When you add water, do it slowly. This way you will not disturb your fish and you will not cause the sand and decorations in the tank to move.
- Try to do all the operations gently or you risk hurting the fish.
- Try to always have a bucket and a bio-conditioner at hand.
Warnings
- When cleaning the tub, NEVER use soap. You would make the fish die.
- If you don't have to change all the water in the tank, don't remove the fish.
