How to Change the Water in Your Fish Tank
Although common filter systems are very powerful nowadays, a regular partial water change is essential. This helps to maintain the ecological balance and keep the fish in the aquarium healthy.
In the following article we will explain how to change the water in your aquarium and how often it should be changed.
Why a water change is important
Over time the water in your fish tank will become contaminated. The phosphorus and nitrate levels increase, which can lead to strong algae growth, and toxic nitrite is formed. The latter is also converted to nitrate by the filter bacteria, which further increases its content in the water.
In addition, there are dead plant parts, the excrements of the fish living in the aquarium and possibly also food leftovers that have not been eaten.
This way the aquarium water gets polluted and sooner or later poses a serious threat to the health of the fish. The only way to support the aquatic plants and filter bacteria is to change the water regularly.
How often the water in the aquarium should be changed
How often a water change is necessary depends mainly on the size of the fish tank and the number of fish living in it. The smaller the tank and the larger the number of fish, the more often a part of the water should be changed.
In large aquariums and a low fish population, however, longer intervals for water changes tend to be possible.
As a rule of thumb, a partial change of water should take place approximately every two weeks. In the case of a dense stock and when keeping particularly sensitive fish, however, a weekly rhythm may also be appropriate.
If only a few fish live in an aquarium, it may be sufficient to provide fresh water every three or four weeks.
A regular water change is recommended with both saltwater and freshwater fish tanks.
What amount of water should be taken during the change
Opinions differ as to the amount of water that should be exchanged during the water change. As with frequency, basin size and fish population play a not insignificant role.
Normally it is sufficient to change about 25 to 35 percent of the water in the aquarium. In densely populated tanks it may be advisable to increase the amount per water change to 50 percent.
This is the correct procedure for changing water
To remove the old water from the aquarium, you only need an aquarium hose and a clean bucket. If necessary, you can also purchase a suitable suction aid. Use the utensils exclusively for this purpose and only for this one aquarium.
Before changing the water, disconnect the water filter and any aquarium heater from the mains supply. When removing the old water, make sure that no fish or equipment gets into the hose.
You can use normal tap water to fill the aquarium. However, this should be at approximately the same temperature as the water already in the tank. This is because excessive temperature fluctuations are a considerable burden for the aquarium inhabitants and can make them ill.
Gently pour the new water into the aquarium. It is best to use your aquarium hose instead of simply pouring it in with a bucket. Once you have finished changing the water, you can switch the heater and filter back on.
Why a water conditioner is useful
Never add untreated tap water to the aquarium during water changes, but always use a suitable water conditioner. This binds heavy metals, chlorine and other pollutants in the water and thus contributes to a permanently high water quality.
In addition, special bacteria cultures can help to maintain the ecological balance in the aquarium and improve biological self-cleaning.
We recommend that you use the following products when changing the water in your aquarium:
- Aquaris Clear Water to remove pollutants and to reduce the stress susceptibility of the fish
- Aquaris Baktero Start for water suitable for fish as well as for strengthening the natural self-purification
In addition, you can also add a high-quality plant fertilizer such as Aquaris Aqua Flora to the aquarium water during the water change, if required. This supplies existing aquatic plants with important nutrients and thus promotes their growth.
Keep an eye on the water values
To ensure that the inhabitants of your aquarium remain healthy, you need not only suitable ornamental fish food but above all the right water quality. It is therefore important that you find out about the needs of your fish and keep an eye on relevant water values such as temperature, pH value and nitrite and nitrate content.
Based on these values, you can adjust your water change procedure and maintain ideal living conditions in your aquarium in the long run.
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