How to Change Fish Tank Rocks

Keeping your fish tank clean is key to keeping your fish healthy. Aside from using a pump and regular aquarium cleanings, you must also change the fish tank rocks from time to time. While changing rocks may seem like an effortless task, it is important to change them using the proper methods to ensure your fishes' safety and health.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 5-Gallon Bucket (2)
• Water
• Fish Bowl(s)
• Fish Net
• Chlorine Remover
• Bag of Rocks
• Cup
• Garbage Bag

How to Change Fish Tank Rocks

1. Dip fish bowl(s) into aquarium, filling them with water to which the fish are accustomed. Using the fish net, scoop fish out of the aquarium and into the bowls--they will reside here during the rock change.

2. Remove the rest of the water from the aquarium using the 5-gallon bucket and multiple trips to a sink or outdoors.

3. Pour new rocks into the 5-gallon bucket. Fill with water. Add appropriate amounts of chlorine remover. Let sit.

4. Scoop out all rocks from the fish tank using a cup or your hands. Put into the second 5-gallon bucket for future use; or, if disposing of the rocks, put them into a garbage bag.

5. Rinse out aquarium with water. Dump out.

6. Drain water from new rocks in 5-gallon bucket.

7. Add new, cleaned rocks to the fish tank. Fill with water. Add water and chlorine remover. Reintroduce fish when the temperature is appropriate for them.