For some reason, there’s a common belief among many beginner aquarists that caring for an aquarium is a simple, low-maintenance task. It’s true that fish don’t require baths or grooming like dogs and cats, but they do need attention (and lots of it!). A healthy aquarium needs to be cleaned consistently. And no, it isn’t […]
For some reason, there’s a common belief among many beginner aquarists that caring for an aquarium is a simple, low-maintenance task. It’s true that fish don’t require baths or grooming like dogs and cats, but they do need attention (and lots of it!).
A healthy aquarium needs to be cleaned consistently. And no, it isn’t just wiping the algae off the glass walls—it’s cleaning every single object located inside the tank. A skilled aquarist knows exactly when and how to clean their home aquarium, which often leads to majestic, thriving tank communities.
If you’re interested in learning how to care for your home aquarium, our guide will provide you with the best tips for cleaning and maintaining it.
Before you begin cleaning, some important tools you’ll need include:
Make sure you set aside these items for aquarium use only.
It all depends on two factors: the size of your aquarium and the type of fish you have. In a large tank, most fish move to another area of the tank while you clean, eliminating the need to remove them. If you’re performing a small water change, you shouldn’t remove your little critters since they can easily suffer from shock.
It’s also important for any aquarist to learn about the fish they’re caring for. Some fish species are hardy and can withstand sudden changes in their environment while others are a little more delicate. Knowing what type of fish you have can help you protect them while you clean away.
While there isn’t a set order for cleaning an aquarium, we recommend keeping a consistent routine that both thoroughly clean your tank and preserves its beneficial bacteria colonies. Use the following steps as a good starting point for your cleaning.
Always start by wiping the inside glass of your tank with an algae pad or scraper. When choosing an algae pad or scraper, make sure you purchase them from your nearest Petland location than a regular department store. Some department store pads look like algae pads but contain leftover chemicals that are harmful to your fish. You also have the option to choose between a variety of algae scrapers, such as magnetic and long-handled ones.
After you’ve finished with the inside glass, it’s time to start cleaning the decorations! Remove any rocks, plastic plants, and tank decor that are covered in algae or other debris. With your algae scraper or pad, rub off any debris off of these objects.
If you can’t seem to get rid of that stubborn algae, do not turn to soap. Soap may contain toxic chemicals that can harm your fish and overall tank environment. Instead, let each item soak in a 10 percent bleach solution every 15 minutes (your bucket will come in handy here!). Make sure to scrape off any algae left and air-dry it.
Before you clean the gravel, leave all decorations out of the tank so that debris doesn’t collect on them again. Use a water siphon to vacuum the surface of the gravel and remove any debris. For the most part, this will help eliminate larger debris.
Once you’re done with the inside, focus your attention on cleaning the outside glass. We recommend using vinegar or aquarium-friendly cleaners as regular bathroom sprays contain harmful chemicals like ammonia that can kill your fish. Be sure to clean the hood, light, and surface of the tank.
Since the outside and inside of your tank are clean, you can put all decorations back in their place. As for your filter, we recommend waiting at least a week or two before cleaning. You may not have meant to but cleaning the tank has likely upset the beneficial bacteria colonies within its ecosystem.
If you make any changes to your filter, you may unintentionally kill off the remaining bacteria, causing ammonia levels to rise up. Your fish will not be able to survive such high toxicity.
When you’re ready to clean the filter, use the filter brush to clear debris buildup. Also, replace any filter media that’s more than 3 weeks old, especially if it contains carbon.
You may be tempted to clean your tank on a daily basis, but that’s not such a good idea. You do not want to upset the healthy balance of bacteria or the natural chemical levels of your aquarium. The amount of times you clean your tank depends on its size. If your tank is between 5 to 10 gallons or 15 to 60 gallons, it should be cleaned every week. For larger tanks, you will only need to clean it every 10-14 days.
Whenever you see a hint of algae on a rock or debris on the gravel, make sure to clean it as soon as possible. Regular cleanings prevent an overload of debris and algae that can cause your tank’s balance to go out of control. We know—maintaining a thriving aquarium is such hard work, but with enough practice, you will be able to support a beautiful aquatic ecosystem.
You can also boost up your aquarium’s health and beauty by following our 10 Key Tips to Keeping a Healthy Aquarium.
