[Mart2289]

I have a Fluval spec 2 gallon aquarium, it's filtered and heated but I was wondering how much times a week should I do a water changes?
And since I can't use the gravel vacuum to clean it because the tank is too small What should I use to clean it? Should I take the water out manually?.....Should I do a 100% water change?

 

[NapoleonUWS]

Same tank here... will be interested in hearing more info on water changes.

 

[xjenuhfur]

I would say that most people would suggest a 50% and a 100% a week. With a thorough vacuuming.

 

[bettanova2]

You can try and use your extra air pump transparent tubes to serve as 'siphon' to vacuum all the wastes and uneaten foods. I usually use them to vacuum all the wastes at the bottom and do water changes together..the water won't flow down a lot very fast which is suitable for smaller tanks like 2-3G.

Before use it, make sure your transparent tube is long enough to flow down the water to the bucket on the floor..the water tank level got to be full for easier siphoning..I think 35-40% water changes twice weekly is better..if don't have time, at least once per week is needed

 

[Bombalurina]

Some people recommend using turkey basters for small tanks. However, if you can't clean the gravel thoroughly, dfinitely do one 50% and one 100% per week.

 

[Oldfishlady]

On filtered tanks 1-4gals without live active growing plants-I recommend twice weekly 50%....1-50% water only and 1-50% to include the substrate by vacuum or stir and dip method to maintain water quality....

Filter media needs swish/rinse in the bucket of old tank water with a water change a couple of time a month to maintain water flow.

 

[jaela]

My 2g gets a 50% change twice per week. I monitor the parameters carefully, and change more if the readings aren't where I want them.
A turkey baster works GREAT in place of a siphon for smaller tanks. It's actually easier to use in some ways, since it's easier to target debris with more precision with the turkey baster.
A small live plant, a little bit of anacharis or a small anubias plant for example, will do wonders for keeping the water nice between changes. I've had especially good luck with anubias -- it seems to need hardly any maintenance at all. =]