My Zebra Danios Died After A Water Change (Reasons+ Prevention)

As a fish keeper, you must face many problems at the beginning of your fish-keeping journey. One common problem is your zebrafish passing away after a water change. So, why is your zebra danios passing away after a water change? Let us find out.

Performing a massive water change or a significant difference between the freshwater and the tank water temperature can cause stress in zebra danios and make them pass away. Consider performing 30% weekly water changes and maintain ideal water parameters in your fish tank to prevent such issues.

The below article discusses the requirement of water change in your zebrafish tank. In addition to this, we will also discuss how to perform water change in your zebra danios tank.

Does water change make your zebra danios pass away?

Water change does not make your zebrafish pass away, as it is necessary to perform regular water changes to maintain the tank’s water quality.

Not performing water change in your zebrafish tank can make your fish suffer from significant health issues, eventually passing away.

It would help to always consider the water parameters before performing a water change in your fish tank. A significant difference between the tank’s water and freshwater temperature can lead to stress in your fish.

If the tank’s water temperature is 70°F, the freshwater should have a temperature between 68-72°F.

A significant difference in the water temperature can lead to extreme stress in your fish, eventually passing them away.

Other factors like performing water change after a long gap or a massive water change can also make your zebra danios pass away.

Let us discuss all the reasons in detail in the below article.

Also, read: How Do I Know If My Zebra Danios Are Stressed?

Reasons behind your zebra danios passing away after a water change?

Here are the reasons behind your zebra danios passing away after a water change

1. Performing a water change after a long gap
2. Massive water change
3. Change in the temperature while doing the water change

Performing a water change after a long time can lead to stress in your zebrafish, eventually leading to their passing away.

You should perform a water change every 7-10 days in your zebra danios tank.

Not performing a water change for a long time can contaminate the tank’s water leading to a spike in the tank’s ammonia level and making your zebra danios suffer from ammonia poisoning and other severe health issues.

Contaminate water in the tank can also lead to a drop in the tank’s oxygen level, making your zebrafish suffer from oxygen deficiency and pass away eventually.

So, you should always perform a water change every 7-10 days in your zebrafish tank for the well-being and a longer lifespan of your zebra danios.

Performing massive water change can also lead to extreme stress in your fish, eventually leading to their passing away.

We advise you to perform a 30% water change rather than changing all the water at once to ensure your fish’s well-being.

The major difference between freshwater and tank water temperature can lead to significant health issues like stress in your fish. 

If the tank’s water temperature is 70°F, the freshwater should have a temperature between 68-72°F.

Also, read: Ideal Water Temperature For Zebra Danios?

Is water change necessary?

Water change is necessary to maintain the tank’s water quality and ensure a healthy environment in your zebrafish tank. 

Not performing regular water changes can lead to severe health issues in your fish, like stress, eventually making them pass away.

In addition, not performing water change in your zebrafish tank can contaminate the tank’s water, eventually leading to a spike in the tank’s ammonia level making your fish suffer from ammonia poisoning and many other health issues.

Therefore, we advise you to perform a weekly water change and add a filtration system to your zebra danios tank to maintain the tank’s water quality.

Also, read: Do Zebra Danios Need A Filter?

Here are the things you should consider while performing a water change

1. Perform a 30% water change every 7-10 days rather than doing a massive water change.
2. There should not be a significant difference between freshwater and tank water temperature.

How to perform water change in your zebra danios tank?

You need the following equipment to do a water change in your zebra danios tank.

1. An aquarium Vacuum ( Also known as hose or siphon)
2. A bucket
3. A cleaning sponge

Below are the steps to perform water change in your zebrafish tank 

1. Firstly, you should switch off the tank equipment like a water filter or an air pump.
2. Transfer the water from the tank by putting one end of the vacuum in the tank’s bottom and the other in the bucket.
3. Keep vacuuming the aquarium water by moving the hoes to the gravel areas until you have transferred 30% of the tank’s water into the bucket. You may have to empty your bucket once or twice while doing this process.
4. Now place your biofilter in the bucket containing the tank water. Do not place it in tap water as it can eliminate the good bacteria from the filter. Squeeze the filter gently to eliminate the blockage from the filter, and install it back in your zebrafish tank.
5. Wash all the other aquarium decors using tank water rather than tap water.
6. Clean the walls of the tank using a cleaning sponge.
7. Fill your bucket with tap water and treat it with water conditioner before adding it to your zebrafish tank.
8. Gently pour the treated tap water into your zebra danios tank. There must not be a significant difference between the tank water and freshwater temperature. Use a thermometer to check the water temperature of your fish tank, as a change in water temperature can lead to stress in your fish.

The above steps are to perform a water change in your zebrafish tank.

Mistakes you should prevent while performing a water change in your zebra danios tank.

Below are the mistakes you should prevent while performing a water change in your zebra danios tank.

Do not wash the aquarium decors in tap water.

You should avoid washing aquarium decors in tap water as it can eliminate the beneficial bacteria from the aquarium decors.

Clean the aquarium decors with tank water while performing a water change to avoid eliminating the beneficial bacteria.

Adding untreated tap water to your zebrafish tank

You should avoid adding untreated tap water to your zebrafish tank as it contains harmful chemicals like chlorine that can damage your fish gills.

You should always treat tap water with a water conditioner before adding it to your zebra danios tank.

Adding water too fast in the tank

You should avoid adding water too fast to the tank as it can lead to stress in your zebra danios.

Always pour the water gently to prevent such issues and to ensure your fish’s well-being.

Conclusion:

1. Water change does not make your zebrafish pass away, as it is essential to do regular water changes to keep the tank clean.
2. Performing a water change after a long gap, massive water change, and a significant difference in the water temperature is why your fish pass away after a water change.
3.  You should perform a 30% water change every 7-10 days rather than doing a massive water change.
4. There should not be a major difference between freshwater and tank water temperature for your fish’s well-being.
5. Always treat tap water with a water conditioner before adding it to your fish tank to prevent severe health issues in your fish.

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Reference: NCBI