Effect of Water Changes on Fish

Aquarium owners sometimes fall into complacency when it comes to changing the water in the tank. This is because they assume that their filter systems are adequate to clean and clarify the water. While filters do play a necessary role, there are multiple benefits to your fish̵7;s health that can only be accomplished with a water change.

  1. Nitrate Control

    • Excessive nitrates in your aquarium can affect the ability of your fish to breed, as well as their general health. Although fish that have been aquarium bred for multiple generations are less sensitive to nitrate contamination, the recommended nitrate level for your aquarium is below 50 ppm; the recommendations vary depending on whether you have freshwater or saltwater fish. A protein skimmer can help with nitrate removal, but it is not as effective a method as changing the water.

    Water Clarity

    • Especially if your tank is overpopulated, inevitably biological waste becomes an issue. If the tank̵7;s water has a brown or yellow quality, it̵7;s likely because of waste matter produced by your fish. It̵7;s not just the fish themselves that produce organic waste matter ̵2; fish plants, uneaten fish food and tannins from decorative wood also produce substances that discolor the tank. A regular change of water assures that your fish tank has a clean and clear look, and also makes the tank smell better. If your aquarium features coral, the increased light able to reach them through the clear water helps their growth.

    Algae Control

    • Algae feed on nutrients that build up in your fish tank, including phosphates. With regular changes to the tank̵7;s water, you remove these nutrients and lessen the chance of algae developing. You also add macronutrients to the water to lessen the chance of algae growth. Macronutrients include nitrogen and potassium. If left to develop, you have to remove algae with an algae scraper, which is much messier and more time consuming than simply changing the water to avoid algae growth.

    Adding Nutrients

    • Adding fresh water to the aquarium also maintains the optimal supply of nutrients necessary for healthy fish. These nutrients can be depleted through water filtration processes. Trace elements necessary for fish health include salt and potassium. By replacing these trace elements, you ensure that your fish experience optimal biological function, coloration and growth.

    Water Change Hazards

    • When changing fish tank water, change only 20 to 30 percent once a week. Changing more water than recommended can shock fish by too-radically altering the temperature or the pH balance of tank. Also, be sure that the water has been conditioned, because chlorinated water is toxic to your fish.