Things You'll Need
- Water hose
- Bucket
- Cleaning rag
Instructions
Acquire a water hose long enough to reach from the bottom of the fish tank to the bottom of a bucket placed below the level of the water. Place the bucket lower than the height of the water in the fish tank because the siphon action works with gravity.
Remove the fish from the tank. This is safer for the fish and makes the siphoning process easier. Place the fish in water-filled plastic bags or buckets temporarily.
Place the bucket near the tank, but below it. Immerse the entire hose in the water. Use a siphon or your mouth to suck the water into the entire length of the hose. Place finger or hand over one end of the hose to seal it and prevent the water from escaping. Hold the other end of the hose near the bottom of the tank with the other hand. Do not place the hose under the gravel.
Keep the finger or hand over the end of the hose to keep it sealed. Point the end of the hose with the finger sealing it toward the bucket. Remove the seal. Water will flow from the tank and into the bucket. Remove about half the water from the tank.