The aquarium periodically accumulates waste from fish and microorganisms, as well as harmful substances such as phosphates and nitrates. Partial or complete water replacement will help get rid of them.
It is necessary
- - watering can;
- - 2 clean buckets;
- - 2 m aquarium hose or ground cleaner;
- - towel.
Instructions
Step 1
If you have just purchased an aquarium, planted aquatic plants and put fish in it, then you should not change the water in it during the first two months. At this time, the environment is not yet stable and it is not yet necessary to intervene in the formation of the microclimate.
Step 2
After a couple of months, you can start replacing the water. Experienced aquarists advise, as rarely as possible, to resort to a complete water change in the aquarium, but change a small amount of water, about 20% of the container volume, should be done at least once a week.
Step 3
To do this, you need to prepare the water in advance. Collect it in clean plastic buckets, which should only be used with your aquarium. However, they should not be washed with any cleaning agents, as they can have a detrimental effect on the aquarium inhabitants. Let the water stand for a couple of days. During this time, harmful substances such as chlorine will disappear. The water will become softer and reach the optimal room temperature. Strain the water if necessary to remove impurities.
Step 4
Place a clean bucket on a towel. Then drain 1/5 of the water from the aquarium using a hose. Place one end of it in the aquarium, then suck in some air through the other, thanks to this technique, the water will flow into the bucket.
Step 5
Clean the bottom and walls of the aquarium from organic matter accumulated on them. Use a special siphon or dirt cleaner to collect debris. Then pour in the settled water using a watering can.
Step 6
Sometimes it is necessary to replace more water up to half the volume of the aquarium. This disturbs the biological balance in the aquarium environment, so this procedure should only be performed in an emergency, for example, if fish are poisoned with copper or nitrates. With such a radical water change, some of the plants and fish may die, but after a week the microflora will recover and it will be possible to continue looking after the aquarium, as usual, replacing a fifth of the water weekly.
Step 7
Such a cardinal measure as a complete water change should be carried out as a last resort, if the aquarium begins to bloom violently, fungal mucus appears, and the water in it is constantly cloudy. This usually happens due to improper maintenance of the aquarium or the introduction of dangerous microorganisms.
Step 8
With a complete water change, it is necessary to remove all inhabitants, drain the water completely, remove all plants and decor. Then rinse everything thoroughly, plant the algae again, install the equipment, pour in soft water. Launch microorganisms, bacteria and fish. The first water change will need to start only after 2-3 months.
