I want to clean my tank that currently has fish. Should I just transfer all the water into a large bucket along with he fish and once cleaned out transfer that water back into the tank? I need to move it a little also so I'll need to drain it completly. What do you guys think? Thanks
Cleaning a tank
- Thread starter Texas321
- Start date
It'll be fine to do that, just try not to disturb the filtration or let it dry out, including the substrate etc; keep flow over it
Just curious why you would want to save all old water, 99% of beneficial bacteria are on surfaces (rocks, biomedia, substrate, tank sides), because they are sessile. Old water is just that, old water full of nitrate and other less desirable compounds, so there really isn't any benefit other than saving on your water bill to saving it.
As far as fish go, new water would be much better.
As far as fish go, new water would be much better.
I should have been more clear. Not planning on using all the water to put back in the tank, Just putting enough back to equal what I do on a water change. Was just wanting to get an idea on what you guys do when you need to completly drain a tank that is established with fish.
Not that you would but don't use soap to clean anything. If you need to, use bleach and then neutralize it with extra tap water conditioner.