Cleaning Your Aquarium

Aquariums are great to look at, and taking care of fish can be a rewarding learning experience for children. When your fish tank gets dirty, however, the water gets cloudy and the whole area can smell and if you let it go too long, you can harm the fish.

If the responsibility of cleaning an aquarium has fallen upon your shoulders and you don’t want dead sea life on your conscience, you should learn how to clean the aquarium properly. It’s not difficult, but if it is not done correctly, you may still have dead fish

How to Clean an Aquarium

Cleaning an aquarium might seem challenging, but with the right steps, you can keep your fish’s home fresh and healthy! Here’s an easy, detailed guide for cleaning your aquarium.

Why Cleaning Your Aquarium is Important

Regular cleaning keeps water quality stable and creates a healthy environment for your fish by reducing waste, algae buildup, and harmful toxins.

How Often Should You Clean an Aquarium?

• Weekly: Partial water change (10–20% of the water) and check equipment.
• Monthly: Deep cleaning, which involves cleaning decorations, the substrate (like gravel or sand), and the aquarium walls.

What You’ll Need

• Aquarium-safe algae scrubber or scraper
• Gravel vacuum
• Bucket for old and new water
• Water conditioner and other chemicals used
• Soft-bristled brush (for decorations)
• Clean sponge (reserved only for the aquarium)
• Fish net

Instructions for Cleaning the Aquarium

1. Prepare Your New Water

• If you’re replacing water, fill a clean bucket with tap water.
• Add a water conditioner to remove chlorine and harmful chemicals and any other chemicals used in the tank (follow bottle instructions).
• Let the water sit to reach room temperature, which is better for your fish.

2. Turn Off Equipment

• Turn off the filter, heater, and any other electrical equipment for safety while cleaning.

3. Clean the Glass and Algae

• Inside Glass: Use an algae scrubber to remove algae buildup on the glass. Move it gently so you don’t disturb the fish.
• Outside Glass: Wipe the outside with an aquarium-safe cleaner or a damp sponge.

4. Remove and Clean Decorations

• Carefully take out any rocks, plants, or decorations covered in algae.
• Scrub them with a soft brush under water to avoid bringing in chemicals. Avoid soap or detergents as they’re harmful to fish.

5. Vacuum the Gravel

• Use a gravel vacuum to clean the substrate. Push the vacuum into the gravel and gently lift to let debris and waste rise and get sucked out.
• Only clean half of the gravel each time to keep beneficial bacteria intact, which helps break down waste in the aquarium.

6. Perform a Partial Water Change

• Use your gravel vacuum or a bucket to remove 10 to 20 percent of the old water from the aquarium.
• Slowly add your prepared, conditioned water to the tank, trying not to disturb the fish or decorations.

7. Clean the Filter (if needed)

• Check the filter media (the sponge, carbon, or other material inside). Clean only if it’s visibly clogged and dirty, as it holds beneficial bacteria.
• Rinse it in old tank water to avoid killing these bacteria. Don’t rinse in tap water, which can kill helpful bacteria due to chlorine.

8. Check Equipment and Turn It Back On

• Check that everything is working correctly after the cleaning. Make sure the filter, heater, and lights are back on and running smoothly.

Additional Tips When Cleaning the Aquarium

• Keep a Regular Schedule: Set a day each week for a quick partial water change and monthly for deeper cleaning.
• Avoid Full Water Changes: Changing all the water can shock fish and remove beneficial bacteria, so partial water changes are healthier.
• Handle Fish Carefully: If you need to move fish while cleaning, gently transfer them using a net, being careful not to stress them. Place the fish in a temporary container filled with water from the tank they were in, as this keeps the water conditions familiar and lessens their stress.

Common Questions

1. Can I Use Soap to Clean the Tank?
No, soap and other cleaning agents are harmful to fish and leave residues that can harm them.

2. How Often Should I Clean the Filter?
Check the filter monthly. Clean or replace the media only when needed, and rinse it in old tank water to protect the beneficial bacteria.

3. What if My Tank Has a Lot of Algae?
Try reducing light exposure, as too much light encourages algae growth. Adding live plants can also reduce algae by using up nutrients.

By following these steps, you’ll keep your aquarium sparkling clean and your fish healthy!