Aquarium Fish Tank

Changing the Water in Your Fish Tank

Yes, the most important thing for your new freshwater fish tank is changing the water. Why? Well, water changes involve more than just removing water from the tank and replacing it. You have to consider the condition of the water you are replacing it with, and the amount of water to remove. These can affect the water quality, and the state of your aquarium’s health.

Colonies of beneficial bacteria grow on every surface in the tank. These bacteria are part of the biological filter; allowing them to thrive will help improve the quality of the biological filtration system.

Every time you clean you fish tank, you should remove 10-15% of the water and replace it with fresh, dechlorinated tap water (bowl and small tanks need larger water changes more often). While you are doing this, you should use your siphon to vacuum some of the debris collected in the gravel. If you have an under water filter it is very important to clean the gravel when you do your water changes every week, or every other week, and this will remove waste particles, and oxygenate the substrate as well, allowing nutrients and oxygen to reach the biological bacteria living on the gravel. Usually, you can clean 25-33% of the gravel when you siphon 10-15% of the water.

What do you need?

· A siphon

· A dedicated brand new 5 gallon or larger bucket

· A source of water

Place the bucket and the siphon next to the aquarium in preparation for the water change.

Turn off all electricity to avoid any dangers. Heaters can break if exposed to excessive air as it will try to heat the room’s temperature. Filters can go dry if water levels go below the suction tubing.

Place the vacuuming part of your siphon in the tank and start suctioning. How you do this depends on the type of siphon you have. Make sure the other end is below the end in the tank so that gravity pulls down the water into the bucket.

Remove any solid wastes inside the fish tank by gently siphoning the gravel to pick any settled debris. Imagine a checker board on the bottom and clean square by square. Keep the vacuuming end close to the gravel so you won’t suction any fish.

When the bucket is almost full remove the tubing from the fish tank to break the siphon, and dispose of the water.

After removing the desired amount of water, you can start adding your fresh water. If you will be adding water from the bucket, rinse it first and use any conditioner while the water is still in the bucket. If you use an auto-filling siphon that connects to your faucet, dissolve the conditioner in a bit of water and add it as soon as the tank is full.

Plug any electrical equipment that you unplugged before.

Just some notes:

-Use a gravel cleaning siphon whenever you do a water change to remove all the trapped particulate from the gravel and also remove dissolved pollutants.

-Although I love to use the auto-filling siphons and so far I have not had any problems, be aware that adding untreated tap water into your tank can lead to disaster. You might prefer to precondition the water before adding it to your system.

-Always use water at room temperature, never use hot water to adjust temperature. Hot water contains a greater quantity of heavy metals like copper and lead. Heavy metals can be removed from tap water by the addition of “slimy” water conditioners. These products contain chemicals that will bind these metals, rendering them harmless. Carbon and certain resins will also remove heavy metals from the water.

-It’s better to do smaller water changes more often than one large water change. Doing this will keep the water quality from changing too drastically.

-You can change the water during cycling. Normal water changes will not affect this process after 2-3 weeks.

-Always allow your tap water to run at least five minutes before using it. This will help decrease the dissolved heavy metal content.

Happy fishes!!

 

If you want to read more about keeping a fish tank in your home, visit me at http://www.thefishtankplace.com

About the Author

Rebeca has been interested in animals and Feng Shui for many years and now she wants to share her knowledge of these subjects with people in a very light and personal way. Feng Shui has improved her life in many ways, and her cats and dogs, and the fish that came as a part of her passion for Feng Shui, are now a very important part of her, and she’s very happy to share her experiences with everybody.

My Aquarium Fish Tank

CHEAP AQUARIUM POND FISH TANK FILTER MEDIA ACTIVATED CARBON $10.00

CHEAP MARINE AQUARIUM FISH TANK 5W UV STERILIZER PUMP 50 GAL $35.00

Aquarium Fish Tank Simulated Purple Blue Plastic Plant Ornament $6.73

Aquarium Fish Tank Submerse 30 LED Bar Blue Lights Lamp Environmental Protective $1.56

Nice 18.1in 46cm 18LED Coloful Aquarium Fish Tank Bubble LED Light Keep Fresh $0.17

Fish Tank Aquarium Cuboid Style Air Stone Blue 5 Pcs $4.23

Lot 9 Vivid Plastic Aquarium Plants Fish Tank Ornament $0.02

Aquarium Fish Tank Glass Cover Plastic Clip Support Holder 5 Pcs $4.90

Aquarium 57 LED Blue Waterproof Lighting Fish Tank Bar $9.99

Automatic Aquarium Fish Tank Food Feeder 4 Holiday Use $0.77

Aquarium Fish Tank Green Fuchsia Emulational Plant Grass $12.92

Ceramic Base Purple Silicone Coral for Fish Tank Aquarium Decor $4.79

Brand New Aquarium Fish Tank 12 Inch 12 Blue LED Bubble Decoration Lights $0.97

Underwater 1.5W 110V 220V Aquarium Fish Tank 12 White LED Airstone Lights $0.92

New Epistar 120 Watt Led Aquarium Grow Light Blue White Coral Reef Fish Tank $147.99

Ceramic Base Purple Silicone Coral for Fish Tank Aquarium Decor $5.20

CHEAP AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER W/ 9W UV 75 GALLON HW-402B $81.99

Green Red Blue Aquarium Fish Tank Air Pump Charm Decoration Novel Bubble Light $1.56

Curve Design Plastic Water Plant Decoration Green Fuchsia for Aquarium Fish Tank $7.87

2M Blue 5050 LED Light For Garden Aquarium Fish Tank Showcase Kitchen Home Bar $1.44

CHEAP MARINE AQUARIUM FISH TANK 13W UV STERILIZER PUMP 75 GAL $56.00

WaterProof 18.5cm 0.61ft Blue Aquarium Fish Turtle Tank LED Lights Pet Support $0.33

CHEAP AQUARIUM FISH TANK EXTERNAL HANG ON FILTER WATERFALL 25 $27.99

Beauty 6.3in 6 LED Colorful Aquarium Fish Tank 1.2W Strip Air Pump Bubble Light $0.77

Ceramic Base Plastic Flower Grass Plant Decor 7″ for Fish Tank Aquarium $6.89

Aquarium Blue LED Lights Submersible Fish Tank Air Pump only 220V $5.99

Purple Fish Tank Plastic Plant Pond Aquarium 2 PCS $6.55

Nemo in Coral Aquarium Ornament Fish Tank Decoration $2.99

Protein Skimmer Filter Pump With Power Head Fish Tank Aquarium Tank Salt Water $40.95

Ball Shaped Aquarium Fish Tank Pump Air Stone Airstone $5.97

69″ Siphon Vacuum Pump For Aquarium Fish Tank Gravel Water Cleaning Change DD3 $0.99

CHEAP UP TO 31″ HOOD AQUARIUM FISH TANK 25W WHITE & BLUE TOP LAMP LIGHT $56.99

Pond Filter Media aquarium tank KOI Fish 20″x25′ EP turtle aqua pump $22.49

Nice 6.5in 16.5cm Blue Aquarium Fish Tank Bubble LED Light Make Night Vision $1.55

Green Leaf Plastic Aquatic Plant for Fish Tank Aquarium $10.94

Lifelikes Blue Floating Fish Aquarium Tank Decoration $4.40

18.1in 46cm 18 LED Coloful Aquarium Fish Tank Bubble LED Underwater Light Hot $1.44

New Amazing 6.5in 16.5cm 6 LED Colorful Aquarium Fish Tank Air Tube Bubble Light $1.01

800L/H Aquarium Fish Tank Internal Filter Air Pump $1.53

18.7inch Aquarium Fish Tank Bar White 57 LED Light Lighting Lamp 47.5cm 100-240V $0.65

Underwater Light Lamp LED for Aquarium Fish Tank Pond $1.44

◆ Waterproof Diving 18 LED Bar Aquarium Fish Tank Blue Light Strip ◆ 7.2″inch $0.33

Aquarium Fish Tank fashion 2 modes clip blue & white 48 LED Light lighting Lamp $1.50

310MM 12 LEDs Aquarium Fish Tank Pond Submersible Bubble Lights $1.56

Digital LCD Aquarium Fish Tank Vivarium Incubator Thermometer Meter $1.00

NEW Aquarium Fish Tank Automatic Food Feeder By Battery $1.41

7 inch 18 Bulb Aquarium Fish Tank Blue LED Lights Bar $0.49

Lot 9pcs New Aquarium Fish Tank Green Plastic Plant Flower Ornament with Base $0.02

New 2.5W 100-240V Submersible Aquarium Fish Tank 42 LED Blue Light Waterproof $0.02

Aquarium Fish Tank Blue 18 LED Beaming Underwater Air Pump Airstone Bubble Light $1.20

Fish Tank Aquarium Submersible Blue flash LED Bubble Air Curtain Light Lighting $0.35

Aquarium Fish Tank Air Pump Charm Decoration 18 Colorful LED Novel Bubble Light $1.39

Automatic Aquarium Fish Tank Food Feeder for Holiday Use $0.65

◆ Waterproof Diving 18 LED Bar Aquarium Fish Tank White Light Strip ◆ 7.2″inch $1.41

Aquarium Fish Tank Decor Artificial Sound Floating Fish Magenta 20 Pcs $10.74

6 x Aquarium Fish Tank Decoration Silicone Sea Anemones $0.99

Red Aquarium Fish Tank Aquascaping Plastic Water Plant $8.78

Red Flower Aquarium Plastic Plants Fish Tank Ornament $10.79

Black Economic Filter Sponge for Fish Tank Aquarium $6.24

Plastic Decoration Flotaing Fish Pink for Aquarium Tank $4.43

Convenient Use Fish Tank Aquarium Submersible Hydrometer LCD Digital Thermometer $0.09

48 LED 8 Blue + 40 White Fit 30-50cm Long Fish Tank Aquarium Lamp Light lighting $0.46

Energy Conservation 12 LED White Aquarium Fish Tank Strip Air Pump Bubble Light $1.56

Aquarium 42 LED Submerged Waterproof Bar Blue Light Fish Tank $0.99

CHEAP AQUARIUMS FISH TANK EXTERNAL CANISTER FILTER 375GPH 100G HW-303A W. MEDIA $68.99

Aquarium 42 LED Submerged Bar Colorful Lights Fish Tank $0.93

Aquarium Fish Tank 14.5″ Height Green Plastic Plant Decor $17.75

Cylinder Aquarium Fish Tank Biochemical Sponge Filter $13.72

CHEAP 240 GPH SUBMERSIBLE REEF CORAL FISH TANK AQUARIUM PUMP $26.00

Aquarium Fish Tank Biochemical Sponge Bio-Filter Oxygen $1.00

Vividly Floating Fish Aquarium Tank Decor Ornament $5.21

Pine Tree Design Decor Aquarium Fish Tank Plastic Plant $4.44

42 LED 1.2ft 36.5CM High Quality Aquarium Fish Turtle Frog Tank Blue Lights Bar $0.99

10.6″ Green Plastic Grass Aquarium Fish Tank Decoration $4.04

For Fish Aquarium Bio-Filter Fish Tank Sponge Filter $11.83

Brand New Aquarium Fish Tank 12 Inch 12 White LED Bubble Decoration Lights $0.96

NEW Submersible 42 LED White Light Bar 14.4 inch Strip For Fish Tank Aquarium $0.77

5PCS Green Beautiful Aquarium Fish Tank Plastic Water Plants Ornament Decorative $2.75

Floating Lotus Fish Tank Ornament Foam Aquarium Decor $3.55

7.2″inch 100-240V Aquarium Fish Tank Waterproof 18 LED White Light Lamp 18.5cm $4.74

1 Layer Aquarium Sponge Filter Black for Fish tank $5.16

3 Pcs Fish Tank Aquarium Green Plastic Plant Aquascaping New $6.06

CHEAP AQUARIUM POND FISH TANK ACTIVATED CARBON 1 YEAR SUPPLY $40.00

CHEAP AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER + 9W UV 100 GALLON HW-403B $89.99

Aquarium Fish Tank 28 LED 2 Modes Blue & White Clip Lights LAMP LIGHTING $0.99

Red Yellow Artificial Silicone Coral Ornament for Aquarium Fish Tank $11.21

CHEAP AQUARIUM FISH TANK EXTERNAL HANG ON POWER FILTER 20 GAL $25.99

Aquarium Fish Tank Two-tone Plastic Leaf Plants Decor $7.98

Man Made Yellow Lotus Aquarium Fish Tank Decoration $3.29

CHEAP TROPICAL AQUARIUM FISH TANK 5W UV STERILIZER PUMP 50 G $35.00

Fish Tank Aquarium Ornament Artificial Orange bALL Green Grass Plant 7.8″ $8.69

Purple 3″ Diameter Aquarium Fish Tank Aquascaping Silicone Sea Urchin $4.67

Home Living Romm Aquarium Fish Tank Bubble Producer $6.52

Aquarium Tank Assorted Color Plastic Wiggly Tail Fish 3 Pcs $4.04

EP Pond filters Tank Aquarium 1-12″x120″ KOI FISH Turtle Salt fresh water pump $7.99

36.5cm 1.2ft Waterproof 42 Blue LED Aquarium Fish Turtle Tank Light Bar Pet New $1.28

6.3in 16.5cm 6LED Blue Aquarium Fish Tank Air Bubble LED Light Make Night Vision $1.09

AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER MEDIA BAG w/ ZIPPER 8″ x 5.5″ BLACK $0.99

AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER MEDIA BAG w/ ZIPPER 8″ x 5.5″ BLACK $0.99

AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER MEDIA BAG w/ ZIPPER 8″ x 5.5″ BLACK $0.99

Milwaukee Instruments PH600AQ Ph Tester With 1 Point Manual Calibration $16.99 The Milwaukee Instruments pH Pen, PH600 is an easy to use pH meter. It features +- 0.2 Accuracy, one-point calibration and a long battery life (hours of continuous use). Calibration solution not included….

Digital PH Meter Tester for Aquarium, Fishing Industry, Swimming Pool, School Laboratory, Food and Beverage $7.11 This digital pen style pH meter is an ideal instrument for aquarium, fishing industry, swimming pool, school laboratory, beverage etc.Features: Weight: 65gSize: 15 x 3 x 1.5 cmMeter with protective plastic case and calibration screwdriverExcellent meter, very accurate and durableMeasuring pH Range: 0.0 – 14.0 pH Resolution: 0.1 pHAccuracy: ±0.1 pH (20°C), ±0.2 pHOperating Temperature: 0 – 50°C…

Coralife 01692 Digital Power Center $22.94 The Aqualight Digital Power Center is a 24-hour day-night alternating timer device that can be set to turn on/off 7 times per day at different days of the week. The power center has 4 constant power outlets and 4 alternating timer controlled outlets (2 daytime and 2 nighttime) to make the day and night lighting applications easier to manage. When the 2 daytime timer-controlled outlets are on, the …

Fireplaces, Fishtank & Lava $4.59 Studio: Music Video Dist Release Date: 12/19/2006…

Aquarium $6.00 Danish group Aqua arrived on the international pop scene in 1997 with their multimillion-selling smash single “Barbie Girl.” Developing a formula pioneered by their successful Swedish rivals Ace of Base and Whigfield, the band demonstrated on this album that they were more than just one-hit wonders (at least in markets outside America). Skillfully crafted for instant, easily digestible consump…

All-Glass Aquarium Black 24 Fluorescent Strip Lite $29.45 Replacement light for Versa-Hood or Full Hood, or it can be used wherever extra lighting is needed.Features internally mounted ballast with instant-start circuit that allows you to operate on a timer or switch-controlled outlet….

Big Aquarium [VHS] $14.98 This episode in the Big Adventure series certainly lives up to its title. We visit the Tennessee Aquarium located in Chattahoochie, the largest indoor freshwater aquarium in the world. Through the blend of animation, title cards, and a playful soundtrack of music and kids conversing with the narrator, we learn about the Tennessee River Valley ecosystem, plus more exotic sea life from around the …

The Ultimate Aquarium Video $3.49 * * * TURNS YOUR T.V. INTO AN AQUARIUM! * * * FEATURING OVER 20 TANKS! * * * DOZENS OF COLORFUL FISH AND SEA CREATURES! * * * NOW YOU CAN TURN ANY TV SCREEN INTO A COLORFUL, EXOTIC SEASCAPE WITH THE ULTIMATE AQUARIUM VIDEO. POP THIS INTO YOUR VCR AND YOU’LL KNOW RIGHT AWAY WHY MANY PEOPLE FIND AQUARIUMS SO RELAXING. BUT, UNLIKE AQUARIUM OWNERS, YOU WON’T HAVE TO CHANGE THE WATER, CLEAN THE TANK OR…

How to Set Up Your New Top Fin Aquarium Starter Kit (Topfin) …

Sierra Tools JB5684 Battery Operated Liquid Transfer Pump $7.99 PUMPS GAS, WATER, OIL, AND OTHER NON CORROSIVE LIQUIDS. USE IN GARAGE, AQUARIUMS, BASEMENT, BATHROOM, SHOPS AND THE YARD. PUMPS 5 TO 6 QUARTS OF LIQUID PER MINUTE!Number of Pieces: 1Material: PlasticWarranty Description: 1 Year Limited Manufacturer WarrantyDimensions: Length: 23.5 “; Width: 1.77 “; Depth: 4.13 “Product Weight: 0.5 Lb….