How often should I change the water for small fish?

Keeping fish is a hobby that can beautify your home while also bringing peace of mind. However, the key to fish farming is to keep the water quality clean and stable, which is directly related to the health and survival of the fish. So how often should you change the water when raising small fish? Let’s learn more about it below.

How often should I change the water for small fish?

If you want to raise small fish, you must first pay attention to changing the water. The purpose of changing the water is to maintain the water quality, but you cannot change the water too frequently in order to make the water clear. Generally, it can be changed every 3-5 days. If the water quality is well maintained, it can be changed once a week. In addition, the amount of water changed each time should also be controlled, and should not exceed one-third of the total water volume, generally around one-quarter or one-fifth.

How to determine the right time to change the water?

1. Change water when the water color is not good

When the water quality in the fish tank cannot be effectively maintained at a fixed feeding amount and becomes slightly turbid, the water should be changed appropriately. The need for water changes is related to factors such as stocking density, feed amount, filtration efficiency and temperature.

2. Change water when there are too many impurities

When there is too much debris at the bottom of the fish tank, the water should be replaced regularly (such as every three to five days), especially when there is obvious accumulation of debris before feeding. Adding water due to evaporation does not conflict with draining out the bottom debris and changing the water. Keeping the fish tank clean is the key.

3. Change water when filter cotton is clogged

When the filter cotton is severely clogged and causes overflow, first check and remove the debris in the fish tank, then clean the filter cotton, and consider changing the water appropriately. It is recommended to stagger the time of washing cotton and changing water to avoid sudden changes in water quality.

4. Change water when ornamental fish appear sick

Even if the water quality test indicators are normal, if the ornamental fish shows pathological symptoms such as lethargy, red fins, and increased breathing, the water must be changed immediately. The requirements of high-end fish or fish species with strict requirements on water quality may exceed the range of routine testing indicators.

5. Change water when the weather is abnormal

When the temperature is too high and the air pressure is too low, ornamental fish may suffer from hypoxia. At this time, it is necessary to change the water and lower the water temperature as appropriate to improve the living environment of the ornamental fish. Climate factors should be considered when changing water, especially the tolerance of ornamental fish in hot weather.

In general, the key to raising small fish well is to keep the water fresh, which not only ensures its healthy growth, but also prolongs the stability of the ecosystem in the fish tank. Of course, the frequency of water changes is not fixed. It depends on factors such as the size of the fish tank, the number of fish, the specific species and habits of the fish.