how often should i clean my fish tank?

Question

i just got my fish tank about two weeks ago and need to know when to fully clean their tank. i have already changed their water twice but i can see the poo on the botton of the rocks.i have a ten gallon tank and a ten gallon size filter.

in the tank i have two gouramis, a calico goldfish, black moore, and a koi.

i would also like to know what plants would be good for my tank

thanks in advane

my koi is an inch

and this is just my starter tank i am getting a bigger one in about a week

my dad says my tank is a 20 gallon i made a mistake

Answer 1

You have to eyeball it. I clean my 2.5 gal every week. I use a gravel vacuum. They work the best.

Answer 2

Your tank is way overstocked. I would suggest that you either get a bigger tank or return some of your fish to the pet store. Koi get to be huge fish, I would suggest returning that one. The goldfish should also be returned. Depending on what gouramis you have they might be able to live in a 10 gallon comfortably.

As for cleaning a siphon is good at removing debris from the bottom. Every week you should change 25-40% of your tanks and rinse the filter media in the removed tank water. This is so the stuff that builds up can be removed and the beneficial bacteria will still thrive.

Answer 3

You should never completly clean out a tank. If you do a 25% water change while cleaning the gravel once a week it will take care of the waste build up. Your main problem though is that the tank is way over stocked and with fish that don;t do well together. Both goldfish and the Koi will out grow your tank within a month or two most likely and depending on what type of gourami you have they may out grow it as well.

The first step is to get a gravel siphon and use it for every water change to clean the waste out of the gravel. You next step should be to work with a local pet store about taking your fish in as trade for some fish that will do well in a 10 gallon long term.

MM

Answer 4

You should do about a 10-50% water change once a week. With how overstocked your tank is you are probably going to have to change water every day.

There are no kinds of gouramis that are small AND peaceful enough to keep 2 in a 10 gallon tank, unless they are a breeding pair, but that would be temporary.

No goldfish are small enough for a 10 gallon tank. Even if they are small now, being in that tank will cause problems for the fish very soon.

Koi grow HUGE and really there is no tank big enough, unless you own a zoo or public aquarium. They really need a pond.

That's not even mentioning that koi and goldfish are coldwater, while gouramis are tropical, so they both need totally different temperatures.

Don't bother with live plants as long as you have goldfish, they will tear them up.

Please do your research on your fish and supply them with a proper home or give them to somebody who will, because those fish are going to suffer if they are not already.

Answer 5

Wow, your tank is so grossly over stocked that it is actually cruel to your fish. I can't believe that you have a koi, that can grow up to 3 feet in a tiny 10 gallon tank. With that many fish in there you should be cleaning the tank everyday. You should also never do a full tank cleaning, you will kill all the beneficial bacteria that keep the tank cycled and is making it somewhat safe for your fish, it won't last long though. Go get yourself a gravel vac and use it to clean your gravel. Then think about rehoming your fish or get a very large tank. The kio is a pond fish and will need at least 250 gallons and each of those goldfish will need 20 gallons, it depends on the type of gourami but they may need a bigger tank too.

I don't mean to sound rude but you obviously did no research at all before you bought those fish and because of it they are suffering whether you want to believe it or not.

It doesn't matter how big your fish are now, your koi can still grow 3 feet long and your goldfish can grow 8-12 inches long. Please do some basic research on your fish so you can give them the proper care they need instead of a long painful death it sounds like they are getting.

Answer 6

You are seriously over stocked. I'd put the two gouramis in the 10 and the two gold fish and koi in a 55, though I honestly don't think everything will survive. If you can't go for the 55, at least a 29 with a big filter...
Right now I'd be doing a 20% water change every 3rd day will reduce waste and ammonia, but not upset the cycling of the tank.
Normally, Goldfish need 20-25% weekly. Tropicals need 20-25% every other week.

http://www.hagen.com/pdf/aquatic/bag.pdf
http://www2.tetra.de/tet_internet_import/import_data/The%20fascination%20of%20aquariums_GB_2006_T062048.pdf
Here two good free books.

Answer 7

I have not have been given any theory what you pronounced. yet i will inform you the Betta fundamentals. minimum 5 gallon tank (under minimum is two.5 gallons). A heater is needed as is a filter out. The tank should be cycled. grant numerous flora and decorations because of the fact Bettas are curious fish. The bottle of water conditioner frequently tells you warm many drops to characteristic. frequently it is one million drop in keeping with gallon. If the Betta isn't eating its probable because of the fact he's scared. supply him an afternoon or 2 to settle and then attempt feeding him.

Answer 8

Your tank is way overstocked and goldfish are very messy which is why you still see poo on the gravel. Try getting an elodea plant try here.

http://www.aquahobby.com/e_garden.php

Try changing your water by 10%-20% every week and give it a thorough cleanig once a month. This means taking your fish out and scrubbing the walls real good and stirring the gravel to get out any poo and food. Hope this helps.

Answer 9

You should have to clean your tank only every couple of months. I would suggest a alge eater to take care of your poo problem. Goldfish are very dirty fish that need a alge eater around. Also look in to an underground gravel filter. It will "suck" all the waste to the bottom of the tank and filter it through the gravel. As for plants you have a large varitey of plants at your local pet store that are " fish friendly". Hope this helps !

Answer 10

once every two weeks or month depending on how dirty. Also if you have a filter or cleaning fish you do not have to clean it as often. Any plants work just make sure because some plants can only live in certain environments and could harm many fish.