To renew the water in the aquarium, it is not enough just to drain the old one and pour fresh water from the tap. Over time, a special microclimate is formed in the container, due to a sharp change in which the fish can get sick or die. If you do not want to harm those who have been so diligently raised, follow a certain sequence of actions when draining and filling the aquarium.
Instructions
Step 1
If life in the aquarium goes on as usual, the fish do not get sick and the plants do not die in large quantities, change the water once a week. This is enough to maintain its hydrochemical parameters at a normal level.
Step 2
Prepare a new portion of water in advance. Calculate how many liters make up a third or a quarter of the volume of the aquarium. Take as much liquid from the tap and leave it to settle (from 12 hours to 3 days).
Step 3
After this time, fill a large jar with aquarium water. Transfer the fish there for the duration of the entire procedure. Subsequently, you will adapt and be able to clean the aquarium without affecting its inhabitants, but first it is better to play it safe.
Step 4
On the side wall of the fish's dwelling, mark the maximum water level and the one that should be obtained after draining a third or a quarter.
Step 5
Lower the siphon into the aquarium and use it to clean the bottom of food and fish waste products. At the same stage, you can wipe dirty glasses with a special magnetic cleaner. Gradually, all the debris will settle to the bottom.
Step 6
Use a commercially available siphon or a homemade one. The in-store device can be a tube with a funnel or a complex circuit with a pump. At home, you can build a siphon from a hose and a funnel tightly tied to it from half a plastic bottle.
Step 7
During this cleaning, you will pump out some of the water. If its level in the aquarium has not yet reached the level you set, drain the remaining liters with a hose. Insert one end of it into the aquarium, and lower the other into the bucket next to it. Pour in a portion of settled water at room temperature and put the fish in place.
Step 8
In an emergency (contamination of the aquarium with microorganisms), a general cleaning may be necessary. It will be necessary to remove all contents from the container, including stones and plants, and disinfect all decorative elements. In such a situation, drain the water completely (with a hose, any container, or manually if the aquarium is small). Then place the aquarium on its side in the tub and use the shower to thoroughly wash the walls without using cleaning agents. When the work is finished, you can refill the aquarium and repeat the gradual "start-up" procedure.
