How To Do A Water Change

Performing regular water changes is essential for maintaining a healthy and clean aquarium environment. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do a water change:

1. Gather the Necessary Equipment:

   - A clean bucket or container designated solely for aquarium use.

   - A siphon or gravel vacuum to remove water and debris from the substrate.

   - Dechlorinator or water conditioner to treat tap water and make it safe for your fish.

2. Turn off Equipment: Before starting the water change, turn off any equipment in the aquarium, such as filters, heaters, and air pumps.

3. Remove Water: Use the siphon or gravel vacuum to remove water from the tank. Insert the siphon into the aquarium and gently move it up and down until water starts flowing into the bucket. Continue siphoning until you remove the desired amount of water. Aim to remove around 25-50% of the water volume, depending on the tank's needs and water parameters.

4. Clean the Substrate (Optional): While siphoning, you can also use the gravel vacuum to clean the substrate by gently hovering over the gravel to pick up debris and waste.

5. Add Dechlorinated Water: After removing the desired amount of water, prepare the new water for the aquarium. Fill the bucket with tap water and add the appropriate amount of dechlorinator or water conditioner according to the manufacturer's instructions.

6. Match Water Parameters (Optional): If your tap water parameters are significantly different from the aquarium's parameters, such as pH or temperature, you may need to pre-mix the new water and match it closer to the tank's parameters before adding it.

7. Add New Water: Slowly pour the treated water back into the tank. It's best to pour the water onto a plate or saucer placed at the bottom of the tank to minimise disturbing the substrate and fish.

8. Turn on Equipment: Once you've added the new water, turn on all the equipment that you turned off before the water change, such as the filter, heater, and air pump.

9. Observe and Monitor: Observe your fish after the water change to ensure they are not stressed. Monitor water parameters over the next few hours to ensure stability.

10. Perform Regular Water Changes: It's essential to establish a regular water change schedule based on the needs of your aquarium and its inhabitants. For most aquariums, weekly or bi-weekly water changes of 25-50% are recommended.

Regular water changes help remove accumulated toxins, waste, and excess nutrients from the aquarium, maintaining a healthy and stable environment for your fish and plants.