Cleaning Out Tank

[Tammilee1]

I have just done my first tank clean out and nearly killed all my fish i did have 4 fatalities , they were my 4 silver sharks.

I want to know how much water should be empties out of a tank and what should i do when i refil it, does it need chemicals to nutralise the water...

HELP!!! i dont want to loose anymore fish

I have a 4ft by 1.5ft tank with the filters and heaters.

Thanks

 

[tttnjfttt]

in general, no more than 25% change. When you do change it, you must add in dechlorinator (prime is my favorite) to neutralize the chlorine.

 

[Tammilee1]

Thanks or that, that explains my fatalities, i emptied it almost 75%, NEVER will i do that again

The water went a yucky green colour and i couldnt see the airbubbles in tha back anymore.

 

[tttnjfttt]

also, check the pH of your tap water and see how it differs from your tank in a few days, it could have been pH shock. Also, check the temperature.

Did you use dechlorinator and add it before adding the water to the tank?

 

[Tammilee1]

I added the water and added start-right and it has gone back to crytal clear.

I have the temp on 26/27 degrees, some looked like they were going to die but have come to life again so hopefully they are over the shock.

I am going to get my water tested tomorrow, i dont want to go throught that again.

 

[Joeyg2100]

I have done 75% water changes before and had no problems. The fish where fine and showed no stress. I usually stick to 50% water changes weekly though. You need to add prime or another declorinador. I would stick with Prime it is the best for the dollar. You don't need that much. With a tank your size, if it is a 55 gallon, you would only need a cap full durring a water change. I always put a little more than needed just for protection of the fish.

 

[demonmagus]

yeah, everyone else has given you the advice you need, but those 4 sharks would have got MUCH too big anyway