How to Change Water in a Fishbowl

While aquariums make the best homes for pet fish, fishbowls can work as affordable alternatives. However, fishbowls lack the filtration systems of aquariums, so the water needs to be changed at least twice a week to remove waste and debris. In addition to regular cleanings, you'll need to change the water whenever it becomes cloudy.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic bucket
  • Room-temperature water
  • Water conditioner
  • Small fish net
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Instructions

    • 1

      Buy a small plastic bucket to use exclusively for your fish. To keep it safe for your fish, don't use the bucket for any other purposes.

    • 2

      Fill the bucket with room-temperature water. Then, use water conditioning chemicals according to their instructions to purify the water. Ask a pet store employee to recommend appropriate conditioners for the water in your region.

    • 3

      Use a fish net to gently scoop your fish out of the fishbowl and into the bucket of conditioned water.

    • 4

      Empty the fishbowl in a sink and rinse it with warm tap water. Rinse the decorative gravel as well.

    • 5

      Fill the fishbowl with room-temperature, conditioned water.

    • 6

      Scoop your fish gently in the net and move it from the bucket to the fishbowl.