Many novice aquarists unknowingly take too much care of their aquatic pets: they often feed, turn on the lights unnecessarily, constantly change the water. This cannot be done. In particular, it is not recommended to change the water in the aquarium more than once every two weeks, and even more so it is not worth changing it in full. This should only be done occasionally and in exceptional circumstances. For example, with the mass death of fish, the appearance of a large number of microorganisms and an unpleasant odor or severe turbidity.
It is necessary
- - bucket or basin;
- - hard sponge for glass;
- - siphon hose.
Instructions
Step 1
Prepare a special siphon hose for changing the water in the aquarium. It can be purchased at any hobby store. The siphon is a long transparent hose with a cone-shaped nozzle with a cut end. It is with this attachment that you will clean the bottom of the aquarium from dirt and food residues. A battery operated electric siphon can be purchased. The hose should be comfortable, long - at least one meter, diameter - no more than 10-15 mm. If you take a hose of too large a diameter, water will pour out quickly, sediment and sand will rise from the bottom, and even a snail or curious fish can be sucked into the siphon.
Step 2
Remove all algae, live or plastic, all bottom driftwood and decorations, and filter from the aquarium. Wash these attributes without any chemicals or soap. Enough running water.
Step 3
Place a bucket or basin below the level of the aquarium. Lower the end of the hose with the siphon into the aquarium, from the other end, gently suck in the water with your mouth and quickly direct the hose into the bucket. Try not to take a sip of water. Water will pour out of the hose in a powerful stream. Run a siphon along the bottom of the aquarium, collecting particles of dirt and food with a stream of water. Due to their lightness, they will rise with the drained water. Don't be afraid to get your hand above the elbow. Try not to point the siphon in the direction of the fish, so that they do not jump out of the aquarium from shock. By thoroughly cleaning the bottom, you will drain 1/4 to 1/3 of the water.
Step 4
If necessary, remove plaque, dirt and blue-green algae from the inside of the aquarium with a scraper or a hard sponge.
Step 5
Slowly add fresh water to the aquarium. It must be prepared in advance: settled for several days or with the addition of a special agent for adapting the water in terms of chemical composition for the life of fish. Fresh water should be at room temperature. Install the filter and attach all decorative elements and algae to the bottom of the aquarium.
