How to Change the Water in a Fish Aquarium

Just as our health would be compromised by a constant supply of polluted air, fish become more susceptible to disease if not given a fresh dose of water every couple of days. Here are some tips on how to go about making water changes in your fresh water aquarium.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Large pitcher
• Water conditioner
• Aquarium salt
• Stress-Zyme, or comparable product

1. Take a large pitcher or another water-tight container and start scooping out some water. The amount you will remove per water change should be determined by the size of your aquarium. About 25% each time you perform a water change is the recommended amount.

2. While you are at the sink dumping out the water you have collected from the tank, start running the faucet. Cool to warm water is best for freshwater fish.

3. From the tap, fill up your empty pitcher/container, adding the recommended number of drops of water conditioner to the fresh water. This will help eliminate any toxins, chloride and heavy metals from your water, which can be harmful to fish. The typical amount is one drop per gallon of water.

4. Take the pitcher filled with water and water conditioner back to your aquarium and slowly pour the fresh water into the tank, being careful not to pour it directly onto your fish.

5. Continue to repeat steps #3 and #4 until all of the water you have removed has been replaced.

6. Add some aquarium salt to the water each time you make a water change. Again, the amount depends on the size of your tank and the amount of water you have removed. Just follow the directions on the box. The salt helps to improve gill function and keep the fish at their healthiest.

7. Drop in the correct amount of a water cleaner, like Stress-Zyme, once all the fresh water has been added to the tank. This helps keep the biological filter running smoothly, leading to a healthier environment for the fish.

Tips & Warnings

• It's very important not to change too much of the water at once. About 25% based on the size tank you have, three times a week is recommended. Too drastic a change can be a shock to the fish.
• Try to pour the new water in very gently so as not to disturb the bacteria residing in the gravel at the bottom of the tank. A lot of gunk swirling around may lead to a spike in ammonia levels, which is dangerous to the fish.
• You may notice a burst of activity from your fish while you are adding the new water to the aquarium. I always imagine they must enjoy the fresh 'air' as much as we do!
• If you have an underwater heater in your aquarium that is made of glass unplug it during the water changes. The change in temperate as you add cooler water to a warm environment is more than some devices can handle and you don't want to end up with shattered glass. Wait after the change so that your water levels out to room temperature and then plug the heater back in.