How to Change the Water In a Fish Bowl

Although you might think that having a fish bowl instead of an actual aquarium would require less work, it generally requires the same care or, in some cases, even more. This is because the less space and water the fish has, the quicker its environment becomes dirty. This means it is even more important to keep the water clean. Clean water not only makes for a happy fish, but a healthy fish as well. For optimum results to help ensure the longevity of your fish, plan to do both a weekly and monthly water change on a regular basis.

Things You'll Need

  • Water gallon jug
  • Dechlorinator
  • Cup
  • Bucket
  • Plastic container
  • Water siphon
  • Bowl
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Instructions

  1. Weekly Maintenance

    • 1

      Fill a gallon jug with water. You may also wish to simply purchase a gallon of spring water if you do not wish to add a dechlorinator to the water.

    • 2

      Add dechlorinator to the water. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions on the label for the proper dosage for the amount of water you are using.

    • 3

      Allow the water to sit for an hour to match the temperature of the water in the fish bowl.

    • 4

      Use a cup to remove half of the water from the fish bowl. Pour the old water into a bucket or, if your fish bowl is small, simply carry the bowl to the kitchen counter and pour the old water into the sink.

    • 5

      Pour the fresh water slowly into the fish bowl. Do not pour it too fast or it will move the gravel on the bottom and may scare the fish.

    Monthly Maintenance

    • 6

      Prepare the fresh water for your fish bowl. Use the dechlorinator in tap water or use spring water to make the water change. As with the weekly change, allow the water to sit until it reaches room temperature.

    • 7

      Fetch a clean container to hold the fish. Check to ensure that the container is free of soap, dirt and other types of residue.

    • 8

      Use the cup to remove a fourth of the water in the fish bowl. Place the water into the clean container.

    • 9

      Remove the fish from the fish bowl with a fish net. Place it into the water in the clean container.

    • 10

      Use a water siphon and empty bucket to remove three-fourths of the water from the fish bowl. A water siphon uses suction to clean gravel and remove water from the bowl. If your fish bowl is too small for a water siphon, you can simply pour the water down the sink; however, you need to place a bowl or paper towel in the sink to catch loose gravel. Replace the old water with fresh water.

      Use the fish net to return the fish to its bowl. Pour the remaining water from the container back into the bowl.