Partial water changes to an aquarium are perhaps the easiest maintenance procedure that gives the greatest return for the effort. This regular aquarium maintenance is necessary to keep aquarium fish healthy. It should be the first thing to do when there are signs of a problem in the tank.battery operated aquarium heater
Partial Water Changes
Most fish benefit from a partial water change where 10 to 25 percent of the water in the tank is changed every two weeks, or twice a month. This is the least the procedure should be done. For best results, this fish tank maintenance should be done once a week. Removing old dirty water and adding clean treated water dilutes the ammonia, nitrates and nitrites produced by fish waste and uneaten food. Some fish, like discus, require clean water and weekly water changes.
Health
Cichlids, like angelfish and discus, can get a disease called hole in the head disease. Poor water conditions contribute to the disease. Partial water changes will help prevent them from contracting hole in the head. In the case of any disease or parasite, a partial water change is the first thing to do.
Adding New Fish
When adding new fish to the tank, it’s advisable to do a partial water change. Do this a day or two before adding the new arrival to the tank. Fish can become accustomed to slightly high levels of ammonia and nitrates, but adding a new fish unaccustomed to these levels may die.
Preparing Fish Tank Water
It’s best to age water stored a couple of days before the change. It may need adding a conditioner to remove any harmful chemicals the water company may use. The water should be approximately the same temperature as the tank. An aquarium heater in the water used for the partial change will adjust the temperature.
Black Water Aquariums
Black water aquariums are set up for fish whose native habitat is in streams with wood and decaying leaves. This gives the water a tea color, with low acidity and pH. Discus, angelfish and other South American cichlids are examples of fish living in this condition. Using peat in the filter will make a black water tank. For a black water tank, use black water to do partial water changes. Prepare the water with peat or soaking wood in the water. Monitor the acidity and pH to match it with the tank water.