Changing the water

Well, It's water change day here at fishy files so I felt it was a good time to tell everyone what I use to keep my aquarium healthy and running nicely. I recommend about a 15%-20% water change about twice a week, or a 25%-30% water change once a week. This helps keep those nitrates down. Today I did a 20% water change (~6 gallons) using my gravel vacuum and a 4 gallon bucket. I went through all my gravel, and I probably shouldn't show this picture because everyone will think my tank is dirty but here's the water...

Dirty water

which is why it's important to clean your gravel. The culprit of my dirty water situation is the substrate I use for my plants (read further down for tips on how to contain it). Then I refilled the tank 3 gallons at a time (since my bucket only holds 4 and I didn't want to spill) but first, I added a few things. First I added TetraAqua AquaSafe (8.4 fl. oz.), since I was using tap water. Then I used API Aquarium Salt (33 oz.). Yeah, it's good to use aquarium salt in a freshwater fish tank. I was surprised too. The salt works for the fish, kinda like Gatorade works for us. It helps replenish electrolytes and keep the fish happy and healthy. An important thing to remember however, is you cannot just dump the salt in the tank. The fish can choke on it and die, so what you want to do is dissolve it in a separate container first. I use an old sour cream tub (Classy, I know..). Also, you must remember that salt will not evaporate or be filtered out so adding salt is ONLY when removing old water and adding new water.

20% change

Refilled

Tips and Tricks:

• I suggest using a syringe with mL marked on it. It helps when adding water conditioners but not the full dosage (i.e. enough for 3 gallons and not 5).
• Take some time to scope out where your fish like to hang out, often times the gravel will be the dirtiest in that area.
• Keep a towel on the floor, as well as one readily available. You will get wet and unless you like wet floors, a towel will come in handy.
• To contain the dirt and dust from substrate, I use little plastic dishes that are normally used to hold water run-off for potted plants. I cut small holes in the bottom and filled them with substrate and planted my plants within those. Probably would work best when first setting up your tank. I did mine when there was already water in it and it ended up not making much of a difference.