Maintaining a clean aquarium It is essential to ensure the well-being of the fish and other aquatic organisms that live there. Water is their habitat and any alteration in its quality can affect seriously affect his healthHowever, changing the water in the aquarium is not simply removing the old water and adding new; it is a process that must be done carefully and following certain guidelines to avoid abrupt changes that may be harmful.
Why is it important to change the water in the aquarium?
As time goes by, debris such as leftover food, fish waste, and natural decomposition products build up in the aquarium. This debris can create toxic compounds such as ammonia and nitrites, which can affect the chemical balance of the water and the health of the fish. In addition, aquarium water tends to lose essential minerals over time, so partial changes help to replenish these nutrients and maintain the balance of the ecosystem.
How often should the water be changed?
La how often should it be changed Aquarium water depends on several factors such as the size of the aquarium, the amount de peces and the type of filtration used. In general, it is recommended:
- Small aquariums (less than 40 liters): Water changes of 30-40% every week.
- Medium aquariums (between 40 and 100 liters): Partial change of 20-30% every two weeks.
- Large aquariums (+100 liters): Change 15-25% every two weeks or monthly if the filtration system is efficient.
It is important Avoid excessively abrupt water changes, as they can unbalance the bacterial flora of the aquarium and cause stress in the fish.
Step by step to change the water in the aquarium
To perform a water change correctly, follow these steps:
- Prepare the new water: Ideally, use water that is free of chlorine and other chemicals. If tap water is used, it is recommended to let it sit for at least 24 hours or use a special water conditioner.
- Turn off electrical equipment: Before proceeding with cleaning, turn off the filter and heater to avoid accidents.
- Removing debris and cleaning glass: Use an algae scraper to clean the aquarium glass and a siphon to remove debris from the substrate.
- Remove old water: Extract between 20 and 30% of the water using a siphon or a clean container.
- Clear decorations and filters: Decorations can be cleaned with clean water and soft brushes (avoiding soaps or chemicals). Filters should not be washed with tap water as they may lose their color. beneficial bacteria.
- Add the new water: Fill the aquarium with the treated water, making sure it is at room temperature. same temperature from the aquarium to avoid sudden changes.
- Turn on the equipment: Once the water change is complete, turn the filter and heater back on.
Precautions and recommendations
- Never change all the water in the aquarium: A complete change can eliminate beneficial bacteria and destabilize the ecosystem.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes: The new water should be at the same temperature as the aquarium to avoid stress in the fish.
- Controls water parameters: Use pH, nitrite and nitrate tests to ensure your water remains in optimal condition.
- Do not excessively clean the filters: Wash them with water from the same aquarium to avoid the loss of beneficial bacteria.
Proper aquarium water maintenance ensures that your fish and aquatic plants live in a healthy environment. By following these tips and maintaining a regular cleaning routine, you will avoid problems such as cloudy water, algae growth, and fish diseases. Over time, this routine will become an essential habit for enjoying a clean and balanced aquarium.
