How to Remove Water From an Aquarium

Removing water from the aquarium is a dreaded, but necessary chore to keep tropical fish healthy. It's also the task that aquarium owners most often do incorrectly, with sometimes disastrous results. A major fish die-off can occur if the right amount of bacteria is not maintained in the tank. If you remove the water correctly, you will prevent this mishap.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bucket or large container to hold the old water
• Flexible siphon hose or a 25-50 foot Python gravel cleaner and hose

Use a Siphon Hose

1. Get a bucket and a flexible siphon hose that can be purchased at any pet store. Place the bucket on the floor close to the aquarium. Place the open end of the hose in the bucket. The water that is removed from the tank will drain into the bucket.

2. Hold the siphon vertically at its base and slowly immerse it (and your hand)into the tank. As you lower the siphon, it will gradually fill with water and make a gurgling noise as the air is forced out.

3. Invert the siphon so that the open end of the tube is facing down toward the bottom of the tank. Adjust the hose in the bucket with your other hand, taking care that the hose is inside the bucket. If done correctly, water will begin flowing from the hose into the bucket.

4. Move the siphon gently through the gravel. You'll know you're doing it correctly when some of the gravel is also lifted by the suction. If you have sand in the bottom of the aquarium, do not drag the siphon through the sand. Instead raise and lower gently into the sand.

Use a Python Hose

5. Attach one end of the valve to your water faucet and attach the clear plastic tubing on the other end. In some cases, you may have to first remove the faucet tip and the washer to make the valve fit snugly.

6. Twist the shut-off valve until it is completely closed. If not closed completely, water will spray all over the place. On the bottom of the fill and drain kit is a valve that must be turned down to allow for suction.

7. Turn on the faucet. Place the gravel cleaner nozzle into the tank, and slowly turn the shut-off valve to the on position. Adjust the pressure so that its enough to slightly lift the gravel, not suck it all the way up.

8. Move the nozzle slowly around inside the aquarium, lifting the sludge. When finished, shut off the valve and lift it straight up. Open the valve again slightly to allow the water in the hose to drain out. Turn off the water faucet.

Tips & Warnings

• The Python gravel washer is an invention praised by aquarium owners for its elimination of spilled water and the need to carry heavy water-filled buckets. This product can be found in pet stores and can also be found on eBay.
• Don't get frustrated. It takes a little time to master the trick of getting the siphon suction right. You may have to take it out and put it in again until you get it right. Once you've done it several times, its becomes easy.
• Unless the tank is really dirty, a water change of about 25 percent should suffice. Remove about 50 percent of the water in the aquarium if it has not been cleaned in a while. Replacing more than 50 percent of the water should only be done if you have sure ways to test the level of pH.

Resources

• Comprehensive advice on aquariums and fish
• Where to buy a Python gravel washer
• Easy step by step advice for care of fish