Water change: When, how much and why change the water in the aquarium

Table of Contents

Water change aquarium guide: As already mentioned in the article on the Calculation of costs in the aquarium described, we now want to go into the water change here. Many questions are asked here again and again. Be it the question of how often you should do a water change, or the question of the amount in liters of the water change. How much water does it need to be changed? So how often do you have to change and how much water do you have to change. But we want to start at the beginning, because first you should clarify the question of why you should change the water in the aquarium at all. After all, you have that correct filter and also the correct lighting installed and the water values ​​also seem to be perfectly fine. What are the reasons for a water change and does it all make sense?

 

Carry out a water change in the aquarium

 

Why do I have to change the water in my aquarium regularly?

 

Let's look at nature first. Here, an automatic water change takes place through the rain or, in the case of flowing water, through the inflow of the springs. Water is therefore constantly renewed or supplied. This process does not exist in the aquarium.

Once you have understood this basic principle, it is also quite easy to implement the water change consistently. Otherwise, it can quickly happen that you become careless and no longer meet your own deadlines.

 

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boxtech Aquarium Cleaner Aquarium Water Change Fish Tank Cleaning Sand Filter Fish Tank Gravel Filter Adjustable Flow Control for Water Change
  • Aquarium cleaner, 2-in-1 multifunctional cleaner cleaning set - gravel cleaner is perfect for changing water and washing sand. aquarium pump the nozzle network prevents the absorption of young fish, grass and gravel.
  • Aquarium cleaner, compressed structure - equipped with 1 soft water pipe (183 cm) and 2 hard water pipes (28 cm x 2). The hole of the gravel cleaner is tightly connected without worrying about the problem of water spillage.
  • Aquarium filter, anti-back valve design - extended anti-slip tube for more effective drainage. Note: Place the QV letter end down against the bucket as the pump is unidirectional.
  • Aquarium cleaner, the pump is easy to grip, just press the pump a few times, the water will start automatically. High quality PVC pipe won't fold up to block water flow, just bend to any position and fit for your use. (Note: the position of the water outlet must be lower than the inlet.)
  • Aquarium cleaner, the aquarium gravel cleaner can be divided into different parts and you can customize it according to your needs. Also, it can be attached to the aquarium to free your hands, ideal for daily maintenance and regular water changes.
ServicesBestseller no. 2
Luigi's Aquarium/Fish Tank Siphon and Gravel Cleaner - A hand-held siphon pump to drain and replace your water in minutes!
  • ✔️️ Perfect for water purification: no more unsightly dripping and a stable return valve to improve suction power. So you can easily clean 30L in about 5 minutes
  • ✔️️ Easily clean up the aquarium: use the attachment to filter the gravel and free it from food, fish waste and other impurities that have accumulated in your aquarium
  • ✔️️ Safe for Fish and Invertebrates: Use the included filter to prevent small fish and shrimp from being sucked in. There is no danger with our aquarium vacuum cleaner
  • ✔️️ Outstanding Use: Many fishing accessories are overpriced. This simple but robust aquarium vacuum cleaner does the job of a much more expensive siphon at a fraction of the price
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Eden 57481 114 Aqua in-out set - aquarium hose (10 meters) with suction protection and compact aquarium pump (600 l / h) for water treatment and water changes in the aquarium
  • AQUARIUM HOSE: The Eden 114 Aqua in-out set consists of a suction hose (10 m) and a compact, powerful pump (dimensions: 46 x 62 x 78 mm; 600 l / h) for easy water exchange and aquarium cleaning
  • GENTLE TO AQUARIUM RESIDENTS: Thanks to the suction protection, the hose is also suitable for use with fish and other aquarium residents and prevents the animals from being sucked into the submersible pump
  • ADDITIONAL FLOOR CLEANING: Together with the Eden 501 Gravel Cleaner, the maintenance set with aquarium vacuum cleaner enables additional dirt removal from mud, sludge, food residues and sediments
  • APPLICATION: To fill the aquarium, the supplied 10m hose is securely attached to the aquarium wall with suction cups. There is also the option of water treatment.
  • AQUARIUM CLEANING WITH EDEN: The Aqua in-out set from Eden supports aquarium owners sustainably in aquarium care through simple water exchange and filtration with a hose and additional pump

 

Despite good filters and enough bacteria in the aquarium, you will not be able to eliminate all pollutants. The water and thus the habitat of an aquarium is more and more polluted and polluted, the longer you don't take care of the water change. In addition to nitrate and nitrite, there are also other substances that are not always desirable. Be it iron, phosphate, ammonia, magnesium, copper, zinc, nickel, cadmium or many more. CO or Co2 can also reach undesirable levels. These substances have to get out of the aquarium again. But others have to go back in too. For example, plants not only need Co2 for their growth, but also substances such as iron, phosphate, but also Ni and Cu. In short, minerals. These are difficult to prove. The droplet tests from the trade are of little help here.

NO2, NO3, KH, GH, NH4, PH, etc. We do not want to go into all the values ​​here and refer to them here our article on aquarium chemistry. There are definitely a lot of substances in the aquarium water.

Many of these substances are broken down by the bacteria. But there are also some that are not dismantled. Fats or proteins are not broken down by any bacteria in the tank. So here it is to help. That's why it's so important to do water changes consistently.

Reason and meaning of the water change

 

  • Remove Mulm / Remove Kod
  • Remove heavy soiling and turbidity of the water
  • Remove plant debris
  • Influence water quality / reduce hardness
  • Create specific conditions for fish or shrimp
  • remove medication
  • Eliminate algae problems
  • Remove organic pollution
  • Break down fats and proteins
  • Reduce germ load, especially during breeding
  • add nutrients
  • compensate for evaporation water

 

Why refill evaporation water?

Surely one or the other is wondering whether it is not enough to just refill the evaporation water in the aquarium. Basically, this is how new water comes into the basin. Nevertheless, you have to be careful here. The water that evaporates from the sun and heat is just water and leaves all harmful substances behind. Nitrate or nitrite and other substances do not escape through the evaporation water. As a result, the concentration of these substances automatically increases in the residual water.

 

ServicesBestseller no. 1
boxtech Aquarium Cleaner Aquarium Water Change Fish Tank Cleaning Sand Filter Fish Tank Gravel Filter Adjustable Flow Control for Water Change
  • Aquarium cleaner, 2-in-1 multifunctional cleaner cleaning set - gravel cleaner is perfect for changing water and washing sand. aquarium pump the nozzle network prevents the absorption of young fish, grass and gravel.
  • Aquarium cleaner, compressed structure - equipped with 1 soft water pipe (183 cm) and 2 hard water pipes (28 cm x 2). The hole of the gravel cleaner is tightly connected without worrying about the problem of water spillage.
  • Aquarium filter, anti-back valve design - extended anti-slip tube for more effective drainage. Note: Place the QV letter end down against the bucket as the pump is unidirectional.
  • Aquarium cleaner, the pump is easy to grip, just press the pump a few times, the water will start automatically. High quality PVC pipe won't fold up to block water flow, just bend to any position and fit for your use. (Note: the position of the water outlet must be lower than the inlet.)
  • Aquarium cleaner, the aquarium gravel cleaner can be divided into different parts and you can customize it according to your needs. Also, it can be attached to the aquarium to free your hands, ideal for daily maintenance and regular water changes.
ServicesBestseller no. 2
Luigi's Aquarium/Fish Tank Siphon and Gravel Cleaner - A hand-held siphon pump to drain and replace your water in minutes!
  • ✔️️ Perfect for water purification: no more unsightly dripping and a stable return valve to improve suction power. So you can easily clean 30L in about 5 minutes
  • ✔️️ Easily clean up the aquarium: use the attachment to filter the gravel and free it from food, fish waste and other impurities that have accumulated in your aquarium
  • ✔️️ Safe for Fish and Invertebrates: Use the included filter to prevent small fish and shrimp from being sucked in. There is no danger with our aquarium vacuum cleaner
  • ✔️️ Outstanding Use: Many fishing accessories are overpriced. This simple but robust aquarium vacuum cleaner does the job of a much more expensive siphon at a fraction of the price
  • ✔️️ MONEY BACK GUARANTEE: If for any reason you are not satisfied, simply let us know and you will receive an immediate refund. No questions will be asked!
Bestseller no. 3
Eden 57481 114 Aqua in-out set - aquarium hose (10 meters) with suction protection and compact aquarium pump (600 l / h) for water treatment and water changes in the aquarium
  • AQUARIUM HOSE: The Eden 114 Aqua in-out set consists of a suction hose (10 m) and a compact, powerful pump (dimensions: 46 x 62 x 78 mm; 600 l / h) for easy water exchange and aquarium cleaning
  • GENTLE TO AQUARIUM RESIDENTS: Thanks to the suction protection, the hose is also suitable for use with fish and other aquarium residents and prevents the animals from being sucked into the submersible pump
  • ADDITIONAL FLOOR CLEANING: Together with the Eden 501 Gravel Cleaner, the maintenance set with aquarium vacuum cleaner enables additional dirt removal from mud, sludge, food residues and sediments
  • APPLICATION: To fill the aquarium, the supplied 10m hose is securely attached to the aquarium wall with suction cups. There is also the option of water treatment.
  • AQUARIUM CLEANING WITH EDEN: The Aqua in-out set from Eden supports aquarium owners sustainably in aquarium care through simple water exchange and filtration with a hose and additional pump

 

Old water basin or water change

Not all aquariums require a water change. Experienced aquarists sometimes also rely on an old water tank. But this requires a lot of experience and you should know exactly what you are doing. That's why you have to advise beginners not to do this. A water change is a better alternative here.

Nevertheless, there are many different opinions about changing the water and nothing is discussed more often in forums and the like about how to handle the water change. From 50% a week to almost no water changes, everything is represented here. There doesn't seem to be an ideal way. We put together a recommendation below, which has served well, especially for beginners and in freshwater community tanks.

 

Which aquarium do you have - The type of aquarium can decide

Not every aquarium necessarily needs a water change in the same cycles. Here it depends on the trimming, the use, the size and also the condition. Breeding systems that quickly get problems, especially with germs, have to be changed more often than the normal community aquarium with few stocks.

 

contamination with germs during breeding

If you want to breed fish or shrimp, you should pay close attention to your water values. Here pollution and pollutants are very dangerous. The young fish can die quickly. It is also possible that there will be no reproduction at all if the water values ​​and housing conditions are not right. Therefore, a water change is extremely important here. The germs have to get out of the water. Otherwise, diseases caused by germs will quickly develop.

Breeding systems are usually subjected to a weekly water change.

In a community aquarium that is well established and not overstocked, you can extend the water change cycle. Here the requirements and dangers are lower.

 

It depends on the species and keeping conditions of the fish

Each type and breed of fish, shrimp or crab needs different water values. Therefore, one should also be guided by the requirements of the animals. Invertebrates and also sensitive breeds of fish sometimes require different water change cycles. Here you should find out exactly what requirements the breed places on the water in the aquarium. Here we can recommend our constantly growing range of ornamental fish with profiles. You can already find it here guppy, Molly, platy, Gourami and many others. 

 

How often should I change the water in the aquarium?

Now we come to the crucial question of how often you should do a water change. Anyone who has read the previous text carefully will be able to answer this question for themselves. Basically, there is no specific and correct statement here, but it always has to be decided individually and also depends on many factors. We have already explained these above.

Nevertheless, we would like to recommend a basic rule, especially for beginners, when the water should definitely be changed, regardless of the exchange cycles.

 

Note: If the water values ​​change, then it is high time for a water change

 

The following cycles have proven themselves

 

  • Carry out a water change in the community tank every 14 days
  • In the species tank, a 14-day change of water is usually sufficient
  • In small tanks and nano aquariums, such as the shrimp tank, we recommend changing the water every 7 days

 

How many liters should be changed? What amount of water should be changed?

The second question that comes up after frequency is the amount of water changes. Again, there are many opinions and none seems to be right or wrong. It always depends ! Be it just changing 10 percent of the water every week or even 50% and more a week.

 

Nevertheless, we would like to recommend a few guidelines here:

 

  • Community tank change up to 14% of the water every 50 days
  • Breeding systems change 7% or more of the water every 50 days - constant / permanent water changes often occur here
  • Graduations are also possible. For example, 20 percent every week, 14 percent every 40 days, and 50 percent every three weeks can be an option

 

As you can see, it is very individual and one cannot state a general rule. Everyone should find their own way here. Often you have to be able to reconcile this with your schedule.

 

Instructions for a water change - These are the tips and tricks to do a water change quickly and easily

Now we come to the step-by-step instructions on how to carry out a water change easily and without danger to the animals. Basically, this is divided into two basic steps. Removing the water and putting the water back in. Of course, it depends on whether you have a 30 liter tank or a 500 liter aquarium.

 

remove water

 

  1. Prepare everything: bucket, hose, dry cloths and all necessary things. Here it is also crucial whether you can direct the water you have taken into a sink / drain or whether you can transport it away with buckets. Depends heavily on the liters to be withdrawn.
  2. Switch off electrical devices: There may be a risk of a defect due to the sinking water level.
  3. Suck in water with the help of a hose: You can also fill the hose with water first, then there is no need to suck in. The bucket or drain just needs to be placed underneath, then the water will drain off automatically. It is important that the diameter of the hose is not too small.
  4. Suck off water with the help of a pump: There are sets on the market that are specially designed for changing the water, which will help you with this.
  5. Attention: Do not suck in any fish, shrimps and the like: A net in front of the sucking hose will help here.
  6. Take out as much water as you want.

 

refill water

 

  1. treatment of the water: If the water is not taken directly from the water pipe, it should be treated accordingly. Many especially breeders prepare the water with the help of a Osmosis system / reverse osmosis to prepare it according to the desired water values ​​(GH, conductivity and PH value). Or do they even join the WW rainwater?
  2. Pay attention to the temperature of the water: Here you should make sure that a change in the water temperature does not become too great. 2 degrees are certainly not a problem and can be easily tolerated by all species. With larger fluctuations it becomes critical
  3. Check your tap water for components such as chlorine and copper: This step is also extremely important and should be checked carefully at least during the first water change.Chlorine
    If chlorine is present, you can either exclude it by high pressure in a vessel or get it out of the water by filtering with activated carbon.Copper
    Copper is a major problem, especially in invertebrates, i.e. shrimp, and occurs very often. Copper pipes are still installed in many houses. Therefore, let the water run for a long time beforehand to rinse out the copper. Avoid tap water as this will dissolve the copper even more.
  4. Fill up with the help of a hose directly from the water pipe: This means not only checking the water carefully and adjusting the temperature, but also paying attention to the following when it is brought into the pool. Introducing it too quickly causes the dissolved gases (gas bubbles) to rise. Surely everyone has seen these bubbles before. Fish can get gas bubble disease or freshwater allergies here. Therefore, pour in the water slowly and carefully. A special insertion tube in an L-shape is a good helper here.
  5. Fill up with a bucket or watering can: Special sets are also available from specialist retailers for changing the water. Attention also here when introducing the gas. Here we recommend an L-shaped insertion tube to avoid this.
  6. Fill up from prepared water with a pump
  7. Bring in water treatment products: With every water change, water conditioners such as those available in specialist shops should be added. These agents bind the metals in the water. Of course, the water used is very important here. Some can also do without these additives.
  8. After the water change plant fertilizer inflict
  9. Check water values

If you pay attention to these things, the water change in your aquarium will also work in the future.

 

Q-GROW Easy water change for aquariums with powerful pump, aquarium water change set including 10 m hose
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  • INCLUDING HOSE - a high-quality, transparent 16/12 mm hose is included in the set. With a total length of 10 m, you can easily fill or empty the aquarium from the bathroom or kitchen. The included 4 suction cup holders allow you to easily attach the hose to the pool
  • HIGH QUALITY - The excellent workmanship of the powerful set makes changing water child's play. Thanks to the new, even more powerful V2 pump, even large aquariums can be emptied in no time
  • SET - 1x Q-Grow Easy Aqua Aquarium water change set with 30W pump, 10 m 16/12 hose, 4x transparent hose holders, 2x replacement hose adapter
boxtech aquarium electric sand gravel cleaner, fish tank vacuum cleaner, water change pump, water shower, gravel cleaner for large and small fish tank with 86cm handle length (electric pump 28W)
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  • ✔【Powerful cleaning function】It can be used to clean gravel, pick up dirt, change water, wash sand, vacuum the chair. Strong power enough to suck food debris and fish droppings out of the aquarium quickly
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  • ✔【Easy to Install and Use】Please check the video before use. Connect the device to the power supply and turn on the switch to use it
Diyeeni Complete Aquarium Water Change Set, Aqua Water Exchange Simple Fast Water Change System with 5m Soft Pipe and Universal Faucet Connection, BPA Free, Safe for Animals
  • 【Application】The ideal way to replace the water in the aquarium is to press the pump to activate the siphon and remove the water from the aquarium.
  • 【3 Nozzle Types】This aquarium water change kit can be used for dewatering, gravel cleaning and is compatible with different types of faucets.
  • 【High Quality】This aquarium water change kit is made of high quality plastic, contains no BPA and is safe for you and your fish.
  • 【Safety】This aquarium water change kit is a faucet. Made of high quality plastic, BPA free, safe for you and your fish. Easy to use, can quickly remove dirt from the bottom of the aquarium.
  • 【Easy to Use】This aquarium water change kit is equipped with a pipe clamp holder to make your work easier as you don't need to hold it when draining.

 

Use water down the drain or as flower water?

Many aquarists let the water from the water change flow directly into the sink and thus into the waste water. But it doesn't have to be, because aquarium water is a very good fertilizer for the flowers. Be it in the summer for the garden plants or in the winter for the indoor plants. The remaining nutrients in the aquarium water are a great fertilizer for ornamental plants. So you should pay attention to that.

Water change set from specialist shops or build it yourself

If you want to make changing the water as easy as possible in the future, you should use a few tools, especially if you are using larger tanks. It is advisable to either buy a set from a specialist retailer or to build your own device and equipment. Suction is no longer necessary here and protection for shrimp and smaller fish, as far as possible suction is concerned, is implemented immediately. And of course the water hauling story also falls. Here you can even set how much water should be removed from the pool.

Filling it in is also quite easy, either directly from the tap or from a container where you have prepared your water according to the desired values ​​such as conductivity, PH, GH or KH. Reverse osmosis / osmosis systems are recommended here. Only small and simple pumps are required for this.

 Water change during the start-up phase

The question of changing the water during the running-in phase kept coming up, so we decided to make an extra article. You can find this in the button linked below.

Building instructions for a simple water change

We have included a nice instruction video for you.

 

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