How to Clean a Fish Aquarium
Having a sparkling clean aquarium is the most important step in maintaining indoor fish. A clean aquarium not only enhances your visual experience, but ensures a healthy environment for your pets. Water in the tank becomes murky from algae who feed on the nitrates produced by organic waste. Weekly cleaning helps to keep nitrate levels low.
Items needed:
- Gravel siphon that fastens to a sink
- Rags
- Clorox
- Chlorine Remover
- Stress Coat
- Algae scraper or a single-edged razor blade
- Long-handled magnetic scrub pad
- For safety purposes, unplug the aquarium before cleaning. Using the algae scraper or razor blade, scrape the green algae from the sides, working your way up and down the glass.
- Remove any plants and large rocks. Fill a sink with water and add only 10 percent bleach. Let your rocks and plants soak for about 15 minutes, and then rub off any remaining algae with a scrub pad. Never use soap or dish liquid as they could be retained in the plants and rocks and are lethal to fish. Rinse and air dry.
- Hook up the gravel siphon so that it will drain in the kitchen sink. Quickly suck all the debris from the gravel with the siphon, being sure to remove no more than 20 to25 percent of the water. Removing a larger amount could cause the fish to go into shock. Screw the siphon end onto the faucet to refill the aquarium. While refilling, add chlorine remover and stress coat to the water. The amount to add is determined by the size of your tank. Return the plants and rocks.
- Use a product such as Aquarium Safe or vinegar to clean the outside of the tank, light and hood. Other household cleaning products could be harmful to your fish.
- Clean your filter. If you have an underground filter, the siphon will take care of it when you siphon the gravel. Any other filter must be removed and rinsed with clear water. Wipe any algae buildup from the tubing with the clean rags. Replace the filter monthly.