Choose the correct net size so that your largest fish will fit inside. Even if the nets are large enough, you’ll still need to exercise caution so the fish don’t get injured during the transfer. Use two fish nets to catch your fish within the tank. Hold one net steady and use the other to “herd” your fish into the stable net one at a time. Transfer the fish to a second tank large enough to hold them all. If you’re having a hard time catching your fish, you can try draining off a little bit of the water. Working in a shallower tank will make it easier to herd and catch the fish.
A plugged-in electricity source could cause electrocution if it gets wet. This can cause serious injuries which may even be fatal. Once you’ve unplugged each device you can move it out of the aquarium so that it is not in the way.
Take out any artificial plants and decorations (like toys or sunken objects) out of the aquarium. Leave them in the sink to be cleaned. Doing this before you drain the water will allow any stirred-up debris to settle before you begin emptying the tank.
Arrange a few old towels on the floor around your aquarium. If you’re really worried about spilling you can lay down tarps or mats underneath the towels for extra protection.
If siphoning off the water with a hose, dip one end into the tank and begin filling the other end with water from a tap. Then stop filling the tap end and let it drain out; once water starts draining it will continue to draw water out of the tank. If using a gravel cleaner, activate the device and submerge the intake end all the way down into the gravel. [6] X Research source You’ll need to lift and reposition the device periodically as it drains, but it can be much easier and less messy than using a siphon hose.
Collect the gravel in a colander. Make sure you only use this colander for cleaning your tank, as it will be too dirty to use for preparing food with. Rinse the gravel under clean, running tap water. You can use warm water but you should avoid using very hot water, as this will kill the healthy bacteria your fish rely on. Do not use soap or chemicals to clean the gravel, as these will also destroy the healthy bacteria that have colonized your tank.
If you use disposable filter media, simply discard the old cartridge and replace it with a new one. If you use permanent filter media, you’ll need to rinse your filter media under clean, running tap water. You can use cool or warm water but you should avoid hot water, as this can damage the healthy bacteria inside the filter. Rinse any objects from the aquarium, such as toys and submerged artifacts, under clean, running tap water and set them aside.
You can use an old credit card or ID card to scrape off algae that’s stuck to the walls. Or, if you prefer, you can purchase a special tank scraper from a pet store to complete this task. Use clean paper towels or specialized cleaning wipes to scrub the inside of the tank. Do not use commercial cleaning products, as these will leave residual chemicals that can harm or even kill your aquatic organisms.
You can dechlorinate your water naturally by leaving it out in an opened container for several days. Over time the chlorine will evaporate out of the container, leaving only the now-dechlorinated water. You can dechlorinate water quickly and easily by adding a few drops of dechlorination solution from your local pet store. Follow the instructions on the label to ensure that your water levels are safe for fish.
Once you’ve dechlorinated enough water, you can simply pour it into the clean tank. If your fish require a specific temperature range, you’ll need to monitor the temperature of the clean water before adding your fish.
Mix a new batch of saltwater by combining your preferred commercial salt mix and the right amount of dechlorinated tap water. The specific gravity of your saltwater should measure 1. 025. Pour the prepared saltwater into the tank and fill it to your desired level. Be careful not to disturb any plants or live rocks at the bottom of the tank. If your aquatic organisms require a specific temperature range you’ll need to make sure the water is an acceptable temperature before reintroducing your fish.
Make sure the filter and heater (if relevant) are working and have prepared the water before you reintroduce your aquatic organisms. Scooping and transferring them may be less stressful for the fish than pouring them back in.
