Is cleaning the tank once a week to often?

Question

my tank only holds 2 gallons.. it has a filter and an aerator...is it okay that i clean in once a week or should i only do a partial water change

i have to fantails in there now.. this is just a temporary tank until i can afford a new one..

Answer 1

50% partial water change once a week will be plenty. Changing all of it once a week will stress the fish out badly and can have negative long term(sometimes short term) affects on their wellbeing.

Answer 2

Once a week partial water changes for cleaning the tank are good. Remember to use the gravel vac to get the crud out of the bottom when you're doing the water change. Never do a complete water change.

Two to four times a year, you should clean out the filter, by squeezing the gunk from the sponge into the old water, and then rinsing it out in de-chlorinated water. The sponge contains good bacteria that eat the fish waste chemicals, and keep the water bearable, so don't over do it, and don't use chlorinated water.

Cleaning the algae off of the glass and decorations is strictly for your viewing enjoyment. They actually also contain bacteria that eat fish waste, so don't scrub the algae off the same week you clean the filter. I've found that with one of those background pictures full of green plants, you can hardly notice the algae on the back wall.

The aerator's air stones will need to be changed every few months, depending on how dusty your home is, and how fast algae and stuff grows on them. Don't change the air stones the same week you clean out the filter either, if you can help it.

I'm glad to hear you'll be getting a new tank. Fantails can get big fast. I would not add any algae eater to a two gallon tank. Once you get the larger tank they're a big help though.

Answer 3

I personally think that is to much. Your water goes thru cycles before leveling out. If you are changing the water that often water isn't going to level out like I needs to. I clean mine once a month if not every other month but I never change the water out completely.I do a 20% -30% water change. That way my tank gets cleaned out and puts as less stress on my fish as possible. I have a 46 gal tank that I've had for 3 yrs. I have about 15 fish in it and one of them is a fantail and he is a good 6 inches or better and steadily growing so you definitly need to get a larger tank for them. Also I would recommend you getting a algae eater to help keep the tank clean, if your fantails are anything like mine they will also keep the bottom of the tank clean from picking food out of the gravel constantly. I have been told many fish stores that you need 1 gal of water per inch of fish.I have also been told that fish will grow to size of their surroundings (which includes size of tank and other fish in it) and believe it. My fantail has doubled if not tripled in size since he was given to me and still growing. Since you have two and if you get a algae eater I'd say a 20 gal or better. Good Luck with your fantails!

Answer 4

This depends on what you mean by cleaning it. You should never fully break it down and clean the tank and the filter as this will kill off the beneficial bacteria needed for healthy fish.

I recommend doing a 50% water change weekly on a 2 gallon tank. You can certainly wipe down the glass on the inside prior to the water change, but you should never clean out the filter.

Answer 5

you need to do serious water changes, far better then total breakdowns. let me guess, somebody told you that you could have 1 fish per gallon so you bought 2? their very very wrong ESPECIALLY w/ goldfish!!!!
please get at the very least a 29 gallon for your fish and keep up w/ the water changes, which IMHO you should be doing some daily since the tank is so tiny.

Answer 6

Yes but don't change all the water leave at least half of the old water in the tank.

Answer 7

I changed mine twice a month and only emptied 1/2 the water. But the water I refilled it with was bottled water. I never used tape water to many chemicals in it. The pet shops don't even use tap water. All their tanks are filled with bottle water now.

Answer 8

Yes that is to often, get a algie eating fish to do the work. If it does its work well, you shouldnt need to clean your tank more tham 2-3 times a year tops. Tip... use the old water to feed your house plants.

Answer 9

50% should be enough as long as it looks clean when your done. I would get you a snail or two just to help out!

Answer 10

with goldfish in that small of a tank you shouold be doing it more often