Water also needs to be changed to reintroduce elements and minerals necessary for your fish’s well-being. As time passes, elements and minerals are used up by your fish or are filtered out of the water, changing the overall pH of the water.
We advise against completely cleaning and replacing the water in your freshwater tank because it may shock your pet’s system.
It’s best to keep your fish in the fish tank when you clean. Removing them causes unnecessary stress for your fish, and you run the risk of accidentally hurting them. It is possible to keep your fish in the tank while you clean because you don’t need to remove all the water to clean the tank properly.
Completely replacing the water in the fish tank is a bad idea because it will remove beneficial bacteria that live in the tank and reset the nitrogen cycle, which could kill your fish. If you regularly clean your tank, doing a partial water change is the best option.
Keep your fish’s water clean, but not sterile. Good bacteria is necessary in the water to help maintain your fish’s health. Your tank develops a natural balance that supports your pet fish. To avoid changing the water completely, you can do it 10%-15% at a time to allow for the introduction of new water over time.
Here are some tips for maintaining your freshwater tank:
- For a smaller tank, change out 10%-15% of the water each week.
- For a larger tank, change 20% of the water each week.
- Use a dechlorinator before pouring fresh tap water into your tank.
- Test the water quality to ensure balanced pH levels.
- While you don’t have to change the water completely, each week you will have to check water levels and add water to replace what evaporates.
Don't Forget:
Unplug your equipment. Don’t damage your tank filter or other systems by leaving them on while you change the water.
