How to Do a Water Change in a 55-Gallon Aquarium

One of the most effective ways to keep your aquarium clean and your fish healthy is to regularly change the water. Doing weekly or biweekly water changes helps remove built-up contaminants from the water, reducing the likelihood that disease or infection will strike your fish. Changing the water regularly also keeps the tank sparkling clear and makes your aquarium more pleasant to view.

Things You'll Need

Siphon
Buckets
Dechlorinated water
Large bowl

Instructions

- 1
  Position a large bucket on the floor near your tank. You will want to change 1/4 to 1/3 of the water at every water change, so use the largest bucket you can comfortably carry.
- 2
  Move a siphon or siphon and gravel cleaner combination up and down on the bottom of the tank several times to start the siphoning action. A unit that both cleans the gravel and siphons the tank is more efficient at removing built-up debris from the tank than a siphon alone.
- 3
  Carefully place the end of the siphon hose in the bucket. Allow the water to drain into the bucket until it is about three-quarters full, then carefully lift the siphon to stop it from draining water.
- 4
  Empty the bucket, then continue siphoning the water from the tank. Continue removing water from the tank until 1/4 to 1/3 of the water has been removed.
- 5
  Place a large bowl in the center of the tank, then slowly begin filling the tank with water that has been dechlorinated. If you have well water, you can simply use the water from the tap. Otherwise you will need to use a declorinator you can purchase at the pet store. If you do need to remove chlorine from the water, you might need to let the water sit overnight to remove all the chlorine.
- 6
  Pour the water into the bowl in the center of the tank. This will disperse the water more gently and help you avoid dislodging your plants and tank decorations. Continue pouring water into the tank until it is full.