How do i do a complete water change for my aquarium which doesn't have a filter?

Answer 1

I don't think you should do a complete change.
You should always leave some of the original water.
remove fish in a bowl-ful of original water.
Empty, clean and refill bowl.
Then replace fish into bowl with the bowl-ful of older water.
That's how I was taught to do ours by the pet store.
It works well, haven't lost a fish yet.

Answer 2

The bacteria that is good for a tank resides in a filter, since you don't have one there is no point in not doing a complete water change. Get a bowl or bucket, something that is big enough for the fish but something that has never had soap in it, fill it with the water from the aquarium that you are cleaning and place the fish in there. Empty all the rest of the water out and clean the gravel or whatever else is in there with warm water. Fill it back up with the same temp water that was in there, add something to remove the chlorine and scoop the fish out of whatever you have him in and place him back in the clean aquarium.

I would recommend getting yourself a filter though, you won't have to clean the tank as often and they come in all different sizes for any size tank or bowl.

Answer 3

There are a couple of key questions I'd have for you:

-Why there is no filteration system?

-What size tank?

-What type of fish?


Even if you only have Tetra's or another type of fish that require less fuss, the least a tank/bowl should have is airation. Because fish, even "clean" fish, live in their own fecal matter, their water condition changes frequently. They also -need- some form of oxygen (a filter can provide some as the water cycles) as their own waste transforms into toxic ammonia causing restricted oxygen levels in their enviroment.

Typically, the -only- true fish that can do without any type of filteration or airation is a Betta. But, they still require partial water changes at least every 3-5 days.

As far as cleaning any tank, filtered or not:
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[copied from a post I made on another question]

For all beginner tanks, I suggest weekly 25% (25-45%, nothing more...NEVER all) water changes and rinsing of the carbon filter (Carbon filters last only 4-5 weeks once submerged into water, so you can just rinse until this stage is over.) for the first 4-6 weeks to create a healthy bacteria cycle.

On an established ---this refers only to filtered systems---(established, meaning the bacteria cycle has begun to take some of the cleaning work off your hands) tank, water changes (25-45%, nothing more...NEVER all) can be spread out between every 3-4 weeks. No matter how established a tank is, it still requires some form of maintenance.

The easiest way of doing maintenance (if you're already not in the know) is by using a siphon. It is what it is; a tube you submerge into your to funnel water and waste out with. You can find cheap ones at your local pet store, but they require you to create the suction action. Or, you can buy the slightly pricey ones that hook up to your kitchen sink/faucet that will do the suction AND filling of water for you. When using the siphon, you're object is not only to remove the water for the change, but to dig into the gravel bed and remove most-all of the waste that hides beneath. If you don't remove it, water changes make no difference what-so-ever.

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However, I can't stress enough the importance of a filter. But, I can understand there are situations where one is not possible.
If you're not able to utilize a hanging filter, you can find small sized filters (Lee's Fish Products make several awesome small filters like these.) that attach to airline tubing connected to an air pump. (I've even used these on my Betta's in the past.)

If you truly cannot use any filter, at least get an air pump. This will ensure your fish are receiving oxygen.

And if that is out of the question as well, there is a product called "Oxygen Stone" made by Oscar/Tom fish products. Its simply a stone that you drop into your tank that appears to "fizzle" when submerged, thus creating air bubbles.

Answer 4

do a 50-70% change of the water never all using a gravel vaccum and a bucket and being that you do not have a filter I would recommend frequent small water changes with a vacuum of the gravel to get all the waste your fish have produced

Answer 5

you just remove the water from the tank either by dipping of by siphoning, then when ready to replace the water just refill with nonchlorinated water. the filter really has nothing to do with it.

Answer 6

Syphon the water into a pot or pan put the fish in,change the water,check the ph,check the temp,when it's right put em back in.

Answer 7

a complete change is not a good idea. the water they are in has bacteria they need to surivie. Best thing to do is change only half the water. be careful not to add to cold or hot water, you dont want to shock your fish. i have to do this myself today........yuck

Answer 8

you should have had a filter