How to Do a Water Change in a Planted Tank

A planted tank is a beautiful addition to any home, but it also requires regular maintenance to keep the plants healthy and thriving. One important aspect of maintaining a planted tank is performing regular water changes. In this article, we’ll discuss how to do a water change in a planted tank.

Gather Your Supplies

The first step in performing a water change is to gather all the necessary supplies. You will need:

A siphon hose

A bucket

A water conditioner or dechlorinator

A thermometer

Make sure to use a siphon hose specifically designed for aquarium use. A regular garden hose can introduce harmful chemicals into your tank.

Turn Off Equipment and Prepare the Water

Before you start the water change, turn off all equipment, including filters, heaters, and lights. Next, fill up the bucket with fresh, dechlorinated water. Make sure the temperature of the new water is similar to the temperature of the water in the tank. You can use the thermometer to check the temperature.

Remove Water from the Tank

Use the siphon hose to remove water from the tank. Start by placing the hose in the tank and creating a siphon by sucking on the end of the hose. Once the water starts flowing, direct it into the bucket. Be careful not to disturb the substrate or plants too much. Continue removing water until you have removed about 20% of the total volume of the tank.

Clean the Gravel

While you have the siphon running, use it to clean the gravel. Gently stir up the gravel with the siphon to remove any debris or waste that has settled on the bottom. This will help keep the water clean and clear.

Add Fresh Water

Once you have removed the desired amount of water and cleaned the gravel, it is time to add fresh water to the tank. Slowly pour the dechlorinated water into the tank, being careful not to disturb the plants or fish. It is best to pour the water onto a plate or saucer to help prevent the water from disturbing the substrate.

Adjust the Temperature

If the water temperature in the tank and the fresh water are not the same, you will need to adjust the temperature. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the water in the tank and the fresh water. If the temperatures are different, adjust the temperature of the fresh water by adding warm water until the temperature matches that of the tank.

Turn Equipment Back On

Once the water has been changed and the temperature adjusted, it is time to turn the equipment back on. Turn on the filter, heater, and lights. Wait a few minutes to ensure everything is working properly before walking away from your tank.

Clean Up

Finally, clean up any spills or messes and put away all the supplies. Make sure to store the siphon hose in a safe place where it will not become contaminated with chemicals or debris.

Conclusion

Performing regular water changes is an important part of maintaining a healthy and thriving planted tank. With the right supplies and a little bit of practice, you can easily do a water change in your planted tank. Remember to always use a siphon hose specifically designed for aquarium use and to dechlorinate any fresh water that you add to the tank.