The water in the tank should be changed at least once a week, but more often is better. Cleaning the aquarium regularly serves two purposes. First, remove the fishy smell of the aquarium. Second, it helps maintain fish health. If you notice that your aquarium glass is starting to turn cloudy, it's time to replace the dirty water with clean water.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Moving Fish
Step 1. Find a temporary shelter
Fish should be placed in temporary shelters while you clean and refill water into the tank. So, find a spare tank, container or bucket of adequate size, which can be used as a place to temporarily hold the fish.
Use an aquarium or container that has not been washed with soap as there is a lot of soap that leaves a residue that is harmful to the fish
Step 2. Let the water sit for some time
You will have to let the water to be used in the container temporarily for some time to adjust the temperature and balance the pH. After being poured into a temporary container, let the water sit overnight to get the right temperature and neutralize the chlorine levels in the water.
- If you don't have time to wait for the water to sit overnight, it's a good idea to treat the water with a dechlorinator. This product neutralizes the chlorine levels found in tap water.
- Make sure the water temperature in the temporary tank is the same as the water temperature in the permanent tank. You may need to temporarily cover the container to prevent the fish from jumping out.
Step 3. Avoid direct beaming light
Do not place temporary containers in windows or in bright light as the heat radiating from these light sources can raise the water temperature, and potentially harm the fish. Also, be sure to place the temporary storage container in a place where children and pets cannot reach it.
Step 4. Move the fish
Take the net and scoop the fish out of the aquarium and place them in a temporary reservoir filled with new water. Use a large container as a temporary shelter so the fish can swim freely.
- When using nets to move fish from one place to another, make sure the two containers are close together. This will reduce the period when the fish are out of the water and so will reduce stress levels.
- Or, you can use a small, clean scoop to move the fish. Make sure the scoop is free of soap or soap residue and choose a round scoop with smooth edges. If you choose this method, simply dip the scoop into the tank and let the fish swim in it. Be patient and don't chase the fish with the scoop. This action can stress the fish.
Step 5. Monitor the condition of the fish
While cleaning the tank, make sure you keep an eye on the fish in the temporary holding container. Watch for changes in behavior, color and activity level. The following signs in fish can be an indication that the water in the temporary holding tank is too warm.
- Overactive
- Change color
- “yawn” on the surface of the water
- If the water is too cold, the fish will show the following signs:
- Not active
- Stay at the bottom of the container
- Change color
Part 2 of 3: Updating Conditions Inside the Aquarium
Step 1. Dispose of dirty water
Pour dirty water from the aquarium. Use a net or filter to keep items in the aquarium from spilling and falling into the drain. You can throw dirty water into the garden or plant pots.
Step 2. Clean the objects in the aquarium
Scrub the gravel and other decorations in the tank with warm water and a pinch of salt. For best results, place the gravel and decorations in a mesh strainer and rinse with hot water from the faucet. When you're done, set them aside and let them cool.
Step 3. Clean the aquarium
Scrub the aquarium with warm water and salt. Do not use soaps and cleaners that can leave chemical residue on the walls of the aquarium. After that, rinse the aquarium with warm water until it is completely clean.
If you see a layer of chalk starting to form on the walls of the tank, clean it with vinegar and then rinse with warm water
Step 4. Let the aquarium sit for a while
After washing and rinsing the aquarium, let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes. That way, the glass walls of the aquarium will cool down after being previously exposed to the warm water used for washing and rinsing. Waiting a while for the tank to adjust to room temperature will help ensure it is at the ideal temperature before you reintroduce the fish.
Part 3 of 3: Filling the Aquarium
Step 1. Put the objects back in the aquarium
Arrange the gravel and other decorations into the clean aquarium before pouring the water. Make sure everything is set as before so as not to confuse the fish with the new environment.
Step 2. Fill the aquarium with clean water that has been left overnight
Pour in the conditioned room temperature water or leave it overnight so that it has the right temperature. If you choose to use a dechlorinator, be careful not to spill it as it can leave a chemical smell on the carpet or furniture.
- Again, you may decide to use a dechlorinator to neutralize the chlorine levels. If this is the case, be sure to wait until the water is at room temperature before you put the fish back into the tank.
- Be sure to cover the water or place it in a safe place out of reach of children or pets. This way, the water will not be contaminated while it is being left on overnight.
Step 3. Take your fish
Remove the fish from the temporary holding container using a net or small scoop. Try to move the fish as quickly as possible so it doesn't get stressed. Also, be careful that you don't drop the fish or let it jump out because if that happens you may seriously injure the fish.
Step 4. Put the fish back into the original aquarium
Put the fish in an aquarium filled with clean water. Lower the fish slowly into the water using a net or scoop. Don't just throw fish into the water.
Step 5. Pay attention to the condition of the fish
Fish are more likely to experience stress and develop environmental or temperature-related illnesses during and shortly after cleaning the tank. So, observe the fish closely after it is put back into the tank to make sure it is adapting well to the environment that has been cleaned.
Tips
- Treating the water in the aquarium will provide a cleaner environment for the fish. So, you don't need to change the water frequently. Seek information about water treatment with an expert or someone who works at a local pet store.
- Be sure not to buy too many fish or choose fish that are too large for the size of the tank.
- If you decide to treat your water in an aquarium, use bottled water instead of dirty water.
- Never change the entire tank water as this will get rid of the good bacteria and startle the fish by being caught in a net. Fish can also feel startled by changes in water temperature.
Warning
- Make sure the water in the aquarium and reserve tank is treated with a dechlorinator and at room temperature before transferring fish to any of the aquariums.
- If you use a dechlorinator, follow the instructions carefully to protect your fish.
