Dear aquarium beginner, welcome to my blog. I write various articles about aquariums, have an online store, and a YouTube channel. Today, we'll discuss how to properly change your aquarium water. Enjoy!
You can refresh your aquarium water using a length of hose, an aquarium vacuum, or a pump. This will simultaneously siphon off the bottom and remove the old water. Then, after treating the water, you add fresh water to the aquarium until it has reached the same temperature.
Step 1: What supplies do you need?
Proper preparation is essential for a successful aquarium water change. Gather everything you need and make sure everything is clean and free of harmful substances. Here's a handy checklist to help you:
Checklist for refreshing your aquarium water
- Bucket: Make sure you have a clean bucket that you'll only use for your aquarium. Place the bucket in a stable position, lower than the aquarium.
- Siphon: An aquarium siphon or hose used to remove old water from the aquarium.
- Water conditioner: Use a water conditioner to remove harmful substances such as chlorine and heavy metals from your tap water.
- Thermometer: A thermometer to ensure that the new water is the same temperature as the aquarium water.
- Towels: Keep a few towels on hand to catch any spilled water.
- Net: In case you need to move any fish during the process.
Having everything ready before you start will ensure that water changes go smoothly and efficiently, with minimal stress for your fish.
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Step 2: How do you remove water from your aquarium?
Now it's time to remove the old water from your aquarium. Use a siphon to do this easily and efficiently. Here are the steps to follow:
When siphoning your aquarium, pay close attention to:
- Take the siphon and fill it with water. You can suck on the hose to do this, or fill the hose with water under the tap.
- Hold one end of the siphon in the aquarium and place the other end in the bucket that is lower than the aquarium.
- Let the water start running and gently siphon out about 10-25% of the water from the aquarium, depending on the specific needs of your aquarium.
- Be careful not to siphon any fish or decorations during this process. Move the siphon slowly and carefully through the water to suck up dirt and debris without disturbing the fish.
Changing some of the water regularly helps maintain water quality and keep your fish healthy.
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Step 3: Prepare new water
Now's the time to prepare fresh water for your aquarium. This is a crucial step to ensure your fish and plants stay healthy. Follow these instructions for best results:
- Fill a bucket with fresh water. Preferably use water that is already at room temperature to minimize the temperature difference.
- Add a water conditioner to neutralize harmful substances like chlorine and heavy metals. This helps ensure the water is safe for your fish, although this isn't always necessary. We rarely work for our service ourselves.
- Make sure the new water is the same temperature as the water in your aquarium. Use a thermometer to check this if necessary. This helps prevent stress in your fish.
- If necessary, add plant food or another preparatory agent to the water. Mixing this in the bucket or watering can beforehand allows for a more efficient and even distribution throughout the aquarium.
It's important to follow these steps carefully to ensure the water quality and health of your aquarium. For more tips on water changes and aquarium maintenance, visit our aquarium service page for expert advice and support.
Step 4: Add fresh water
Now that you've carefully prepared the fresh water, it's time to pour it back into the aquarium. Follow these steps to ensure the process goes smoothly and your fish don't get stressed:
- Pour slowly: Add the fresh water slowly and carefully to the aquarium. This helps prevent your fish from being startled and the substrate from being stirred up.
- Use a pump for larger aquariums: If you have a larger aquarium, consider using a pump to pump the water back evenly and without too much disruption.
- Check the water parameters: After adding the new water, check the water parameters to ensure everything is balanced. This helps ensure your fish and plants remain in an optimal environment.
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Adding fresh water is a crucial step in maintaining your aquarium. By doing it carefully, you contribute to a healthy and stable environment for your fish and plants. Do you have any questions or want to share your own tips? Leave a comment at the bottom of this blog!
