How to Fix Problems With 2-Gallon Fish Tanks

Two-gallon fish tanks are challenging to keep because of the relatively small amount of water they contain. Small volumes of water very quickly undergo changes in chemistry. These changes stress the fish and make them susceptible to disease. A two-gallon fish tank requires a good filter, which must include biological, mechanical and chemical filtration materials. The filter material must be changed regularly and the hobbyist must not overstock the aquarium or overfeed the fish. Water changes dilute the pollution.

Things You'll Need

  • Filter floss or filter matting
  • Nylon bag of activated carbon
  • 2, 1-gallon plastic buckets
  • Chlorine neutralizer
  • Plastic tube, 0.73-inch diameter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Unplug the circulation pump and heater from the wall power source.

    • 2

      Remove the lid from the filter box.

    • 3

      Remove and discard the filter floss or filter matting from the mechanical filter compartment in the filter box.

    • 4

      Replace with new filter material and replace the lid.

    • 5

      Remove and discard the nylon bag that contains the activated carbon from the chemical filter compartment of the filter.

    • 6

      Rinse a new nylon bag of activated carbon under running water until the dust has been washed away.

    • 7

      Place the bag of activated carbon into a shallow bowel of hot water to drive air out of the pores of the carbon.

    • 8

      Place the nylon bag of new activated carbon into the chemical filter compartment of the filter box.

    • 9

      Use a long-handled aquarium net to scoop out any decaying leaves or stems of aquatic plants.

    • 10

      Look into the tank from above, looking for any dead fish behind the rocks or other decorative items. Remove any fish carcasses before they decompose and contaminate the water.

    • 11

      Fill a clean bucket with tap water. Add chlorine neutralizer to the bucket and stir vigorously. Most neutralizers call for two drops per gallon of water.

    • 12

      Place the empty bucket next to the fish tank. Use the plastic tube to siphon about one-fourth of the water from the tank. Discard the water.

    • 13

      Replace the original water with the freshly prepared water.

    • 14

      Use a net to remove a quarter of the fish, if the tank was originally overstocked. Return the fish to a dealer.

    • 15

      Plug the circulating pump and heater back into the wall power source and turn on.