How to Prepare Fish Tank Water

The fresh, clear water that your fish will swim in forms the elemental basis that defines their health. What seems like clean water to a human can contain deadly levels of chloramine and chlorine that can end the life of a fish in mere hours. Removing harmful chemicals in the water and allowing your tank plenty of time to cycle the water will help provide the best possible environment to help your fish thrive.

Things You'll Need

  • Bucket(s)
  • Tap water conditioner
  • Filter and cartridges
  • Water sample from a healthy, established tank
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the fish tank thoroughly, rinsing all dust and debris from the empty tank. If you're adding gravel for the first time, pour the gravel into an empty bucket and rinse it thoroughly until there is no dust floating on the surface.

    • 2

      Pour the recommended amount of tap water conditioner into each bucket of water and fill the tank. Remember that chlorine and chloramine regularly occur in tap water, but are very toxic chemicals to fish. As an alternative to using additives, fill the fish tank and let the water sit for 24 to 48 hours to allow the chlorine and chloramine to evaporate.

    • 3

      Aid your tank in establishing a natural biological filtering system by adding the water sample from an established tank. This water sample contains beneficial bacteria that will grow to help break down the buildup of harmful ammonia in the water that results from fish waste. By adding the water sample during the cycling phase, colonies of nitrites start forming to break down the elevated levels of ammonia. In addition, elevated levels of nitrates can be deadly to your fish too.

    • 4

      Set up your filter system, install the cartridge and start cycling your tank with the fresh water. Before adding fish, it's recommended that you run the tank for 3 to 7 days to allow all chemicals to be removed from the water. In addition, you're allowing good bacteria to establish itself in the tank to provide a healthy and balanced environment for your fish.

    • 5

      Add more water when you notice levels dropping. Evaporation will drop your tank levels by at least an inch per week. Make sure to treat any water that you are adding to the tank. In addition, regular water changes every two weeks will keep your tank bacteria at healthy levels, and your fish happy and healthy.