Observe your fish daily to see whether they look healthy and are behaving normally. Do they have good color, clean scales, unclamped fins? Or are they slimy and ragged? Remove any dead fish. If your fish look sluggish, stressed, or they are gulping for air, do a water change. [3] X Research source It is not beneficial to perform deep cleanings too often, as you will remove essential bacteria.
2 fish nets Temporary fish tank or container Fresh water in the quantity you want to replace Algae pad New toothbrush 2 large buckets (5-10 gallons) Gravel vacuum Siphon Water conditioner Aquarium-safe glass cleaner or a vinegar-based solution Clean cloth Towel
You can purchase a plastic tank siphon at pet shops. You also can purchase a small hand pump to put on the siphon to assist with the water transfer. Your fish are used to their old water. Removing all of it can be a shock to their organs. When you mix new water with the old water, your fish will be healthier.
It is crucial for a small tank to have good beneficial bacteria. Using gravel helps bacteria grow.
An alternative is to place the fish into small plastic airtight bags half filled with old tank water upon removing them from the tank. When you are ready to reintroduce the fish, float the bags in the tank for fifteen to twenty minutes. This will ensure that the water temperature is the same in both the bag and the tank. After this time, open the bags.
