How to Change Fish Tank Water
Changing fish tank water routinely is key to life longevity for your fish. The recommended time to change your tank water is every two weeks.
First Step: Feed your fish.
This allows the fish to be in a relatively calm state once you begin to change their water.
Second Step: Unplug any accessories to your fish tank like filter, tank heater, and lights.
Third Step: Test your water.
This involves the clear box in the image shown. You will want to test for ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, and the pH level of your fish tank.
Testing for these four components allows for reflection on when your fish tank should be changed. Based on the tests you may need to change your fish tank water sooner than every two weeks. However, if the water tests perfectly it is still recommended to do a 25% water change every two weeks.
Fourth Step: Remove any decorations or artificial structures that need to be cleaned.
Removing these artificial decorations allows a deeper cleaning and makes it easier to accomplish the water change.
Fifth Step: Begin putting together your suction hose. (Pictured in the second image)
This suction hose allows you to push down in the gravel and suck up excess food and waste products left behind by your fish. This is an important step. Removing excess food will help keep the ammonia levels down in your tank.
Sixth Step: Clean the decorations with warm to hot water and avoid using harsh chemicals. Personally, I let my decorations sit in hot water, without any cleaning agent, and the rub off any algae or waste build-up.
Seventh Step: Once 25% or more of the water is removed begin filling a container with either purchased freshwater or tap water with added water conditioner.
The water conditioner removes harsh metals and other harmful substances that may be found in tap water.
Eighth Step: Replace the artificial decorations and plants.
Nineth Step: The recommended time to replace the tank filter is every two weeks.
However, if your tank is relatively small and your filter is clean use discretion.
Tenth and Final Step: Plug back in the tank accessories. You are finished!
