Aquarium fish are some of the lowest-maintenance pets you could ask for. However, even the lowest-maintenance fish tanks need routine care to keep your fish healthy and happy. One maintenance task to never skip is water changes. If you’re new to owning a fish tank, be on the lookout for these signs that it’s time for a water change in your fish tank.
It’s Been Some Time Since Your Last Change
If it’s been a while since your last water change, your fish tank water may start to look cloudy or dirty. To maintain your fish’s health and the quality of your water, performing a water change every one to two weeks is ideal.
You can keep track of your tank’s water changes by keeping a log. This will help you remember to stay on schedule when replacing the water. Aim to replace 10 to 20 percent of your aquarium’s water level every one to two weeks.
Changes in Water Tests
Monitoring your water quality doesn’t stop at a visual inspection. Invest in water-testing equipment or kits that can test your water for chemicals, nutrients, and contaminants. If you notice a spike or sudden fluctuation in any of these readings, you may need to perform a water change.
Elevated levels of ammonia, nitrites, and more can endanger your fish, causing them to get sick or even die. To bring these chemicals back to normal levels, perform a water change as soon as possible and test your water again.
Your Fish Look Sick
Unfortunately, as hard as we try to maintain water quality and keep up with regular water changes, fish can still get sick for a variety of reasons. When one fish in your aquarium gets sick, it can throw off the entire tank’s ecosystem.
Start by isolating the sick fish to prevent it from contaminating other fish in your aquarium. Medicate this fish’s tank water and perform a water change on the original tank as soon as possible to keep your other fish healthy. Learn more about some of the common diseases that affect aquarium fish here!
Now even beginner fish-owners can better recognize the signs that it’s time to perform a water change for a fish tank. Regular water changes are important for maintaining your aquarium and keeping your fish happy and healthy. Understanding the importance of aquarium maintenance is crucial to becoming a responsible fish-owner.
