Question about fish...water level down...?

Question

The water level is going down rapidly in my fish tank. I've had it for about two weeks. When should I add more water, and if so, should the water be dechlorinated b4 or after, putting it in the tank. Can I put distilled water in it? And if I put tap, is it okay to put another one of the dechlorination tablets without hurting the fish?

Answer 1

If you do a weekly water change, the water level shouldn't drop too much between them. If it gets so low that it bothers you, use distilled to top it off until your next water change. No need to dechlorinate with the distilled. I don't suggest you always use distilled water in an aquarium, but it is better for top offs like this because only water has left your tank, the minerals are still in there. If you add more tap it will make the tank water slowly harder and harder.

MM

Answer 2

Please define "rapidly". If more than a gallon (or two for a big tank) I'd check the seams in the corners and bottom for a possible slow leak (it happens, even on new tanks!).

If evaporation, just top off with new water. A glass cover or hood will reduce evaporation some.

Water changes of 20-30% should be done every week to keep the tank clean. Tap water is better than distilled because distilled has all the beneficial elements (calcium, magnesium) removed and has little buffering capacity to keep your pH from changing. Use the dechlorinator before adding the water to the tank (I like the drops myself - a certain number of drops per gallon - it's easier to make small quantities when you need them). You can prepare the water in a clean 5 gallon bucket that you used only for aquarium purposes.

Answer 3

Your fish are drinking the water. Haha...just Kidding.

The water level in your fish tank will go down and needs to be refilled at least once a week. Water evaporates. Otherwise you risk damaging your filter system. You should dechlorinate your water before you put it in the tank so you don't expose your little fishies to chlorine. You should NOT use distilled water in your tank - your fish need the valuable minerals that come straight from your tap water. The dechlorinating tablets should not hurt your fish - but personally I like NovaAqua or Amquel dechlorinating solution. Both of these solutions also contain stuff that will calm your fish down, and stuff that is good for your fish's scales. Fish have a thin layer of mucus (or slime for lack of a better word) that sits on top of their scales, and these products help replenish that while also dechlorinating.

You should be doing a 1/4th water change about once a week, and that's a good opportunity to also refill the tank and dechlorinate.

If you're scared to use the tablets, you can also put water in a bowl and let it sit for 24 hours. This will let the chlorine evaporate naturally, which you'll be able to see (it makes little bubbles on the sides of the dish....science is fun!).

Hope this helps. Good luck with the fishies.

Answer 4

I agree with copper, if it's a lot of water, you need to start checking around for leaks. My tanks will usually drop about 1 inch a week. I usually time my water changes at the same time they need to be filled. Don't use distilled water, not good for them. Been stripped of all it's elements and such the fish need. When I refill my tanks, I use a Python, and I add the dechlorinator the same time as I'm adding the water-and mix it up that way in the tank. When I'm adding water for my smaller tanks with a bucket, I usually add the dechlorinator into the bucket while it's filling up with water so it gets mixed around.

Answer 5

It's called "evaporation." Get used to it. Yes, add water. Fill a clean bucket, add some dechlorinator and top off the tank.
I have a 38-gallon tank and in warm weather, I have to add water at least three times a month. I have a device called a Python, which is a long hose with an attachment for my kitchen faucet, which is a lot quicker than hauling a bucket back and forth.

Answer 6

you should get a hood and tight fit lid and that will slow it down. but it shouldnt evaporate too much in a week. and after each week you should get the gravel vacc and siphon water out and put in fresh dechlorinated water. siphon out 20 % weekly.
you cant just top off your tank. water evaporates leaving minerals and other things in the tank. if you just add water instead of taking it out you will have a buildup of leftover minerals and stuff . this will harm your pet fish.

hope this helps.

Answer 7

Can't add anything to what has been said. all very good info. I use a hose to do water changes. Water evaporates even with a cover and faster if its warm. Check for leaks.

Answer 8

You need to go ahead and do a water change at this point. Don't top off. Don't use distilled water. You need a syphon tube, and while you're at the petstore, pick up some literature on your pet.