How to Change the Water in a Salt Water Tank

Saltwater tanks and aquariums are wonder-filled environments populated by beautiful fish and other sea creatures. They do, however, require much more maintenance than regular fish tanks do. One of the most routine maintenance tasks you will have to do for your saltwater aquarium is changing the water. Changing saltwater aquarium water is usually done in small amounts. Rarely is the entire amount of water changed. How dirty your aquarium water is determines how much old water you should remove and replace with clean water.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Siphon
• Aquarium salt mix
• Water dechlorinator
• Aquarium water test strips
• Water
• Large bucket
• Aquarium scrubber

How to Change the Water in a Saltwater Tank

1. Fill your bucket with enough tap water.

2. Add dechlorinator to the tap water, following the manufacturer's directions. Add commercial aquarium salt, following the manufacturer's directions. Allow to sit for 24 hours, so the salt can have ample time to dissolve.

3. Test the dechlorinated salt water with an aquarium test strip to make sure it has the proper balance of salt to match the water that is already in your tank.

4. Disconnect your saltwater tank from its power source.

5. Take off the cover of your saltwater tank and scrub clean with your aquarium scrubber. Then rinse the cover in dechlorinated salt water.

6. Clean the filter, and rinse in dechlorinated salt water.

7. Clean the glass with the aquarium scrubber, removing any algae growth.

8. Clean all hoses, pumps and the skimmer cup with the aquarium scrubber and rinse with dechlorinated salt water.

9. Siphon debris from the gravel at the bottom of the tank.

10. Siphon out a portion of the existent tank water, or remove it using a bowl or cup. Then pour in the new dechlorinated salt water, which should be at room temperature. Replace the tank cover and plug the tank back into its power source.

References

• Maintenance of a Saltwater Aquarium
• Changing Your Saltwater Aquarium Water
• Preparing Your Tap Water for Aquarium Use