SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/fish-unplug-before-water-change

Before changing water in the tank, what should you do with the filter, light and air pump?

Unplug them, with dry hands, and ask an adult to help.

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  1. Leave them running
  2. Unplug them ✔
  3. Move them into the sink

Why: Water and electricity do not mix. A kids' goldfish guide says to unplug the filter, light and air pump before exchanging water, and only plug things in with dry hands. Kids should do this with an adult.

Huh, didn't know that: Merck suggests aquarium outlets be grounded and have a GFI (ground-fault interrupter).

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Why did the fish tank light stay calm? It knew when to switch off.
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References

Answer: Unplug them. Water and electricity do not mix. A kids' goldfish guide says to unplug the filter, light and air pump before exchanging water, and only plug things in with dry hands. Kids should do this with an adult.

  1. Gold Rush: A Kid's Guide to Goldfish Care (Univ. of Florida, Texas A&M extension) extension.rwfm.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2013/10/Goldrush-%E2%80%93-A-Kid%E2%80%99s-guide-To-Goldfish-Care.pdf
    To be safe, unplug the filter, light, and air pump before exchanging water.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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