How to Properly Clean Your Aquarium

Well, it’s that time again! You know what I’m talking about. The time to perform one of your least favorite tasks. One that probably ranks right up there with cleaning the toilet bowl or unclogging the kitchen sink. Yes, it’s time to clean the dreaded fish tank!

Many people have fish as pets rather than a dog, cat, or other type of animal, reptile, etc., because when compared with other more demanding pets, they are relatively low maintenance. They are also inexpensive, unless you choose to breed tropical or rare fish, or make this more than a casual hobby, and they are pretty to look at. Some would say their best feature is that they don’t talk back, or make any noise at all.

As a fish owner there is one thing you need to remember above all else, particularly if you have a large or medium sized aquarium. An aquarium draws attention to itself and its inhabitants simply by virtue of being what it is. People want to look at the fish and plants that live there and admire their beauty. So, whether it’s your intention or not, an aquarium is going to become the nucleus of any room. And just as your home or office, whether it’s clean or dirty, neat or messy, makes a statement about you, so will your aquarium. I’m sure you want it to speak highly of you. So we begin with some basic instructions for proper cleaning and maintenance of your fish tank.

Cleaning Your Aquarium

First and foremost, always put safety first. I can not stress this enough. That means never fail to unplug all electrical equipment attached to and surrounding the tank: filters, heaters, pumps, etc., before attempting to clean your aquarium. Yes, I know an accident seems unlikely, but it’s better to take the precaution and avoid even the potential for an accident, rather than to have regrets later.

1. Test Your Aquarium Water

   There’s no arguing that the chemical components of the air that you breathe have a huge effect on your health. Likewise the chemical contained in your aquarium water will affect the health and well-being of the plants and fish that live there. Just because the water is clear doesn’t mean that there are no harmful chemicals present. There are several chemical tests which should be done in all aquariums in order to determine the basic conditions your fish are existing under. Remember that it is your responsibility to tend to this as your fish can not tell you if there is a problem. By the time they begin to show signs of illness it may be too late.

   • Always check the temperature and the Ph of the water. While you’re at it, you
     should also check for ammonia and nitrates.
   • Depending on the type of tank you have, it may be necessary to perform other
     tests as well. For example, you may need to check the salinity of the water or
     the amount of oxygen present, etc.
   • In order for these tests to be the most effective, make certain that you run them
     before you begin cleaning the tank. Redo them once you are finished with
     the task. This way you will be able to make a comparison as to how your
     cleaning and maintenance efforts have affected the water’s chemistry.

   Chemical test kits are not hard to find at all. In fact, they are available at your nearest pet store or aquarium shop.

2. Clean Algae From the Sides of the Tank

   Rapid algae growth is a sign that something is seriously amiss and you should look into it. The most common causes of algae overgrowth are overfeeding and leaving the tank lights on for more than 10 hours per day.

   Cleaning algae from the inside of the tank as well as the filter tubes, etc., is a simple matter. Use an algae scrubbing pad or any of the tools available at all tropical fish stores. A word to the wise, however, do not, I repeat, do not use any type of window cleaning solution, soap, etc. Many of these contain chemicals, such as ammonia, which are toxic to fish, or will make them seriously ill. Once you have finished with the inside glass, remove any plants or other decorations you may have and apply an algae scraper to any algae or debris on them. If you like the “green look” and do not want to remove the algae from rocks or other tank decorations this is fine. It is, however, vital to keep any filter tubes clean, so that they do not clog up and cause problems in the future. Note: Filter cleaning should be done monthly.

3. Changing the Water in the Aquarium

   Now we get to the fun part! You all know what I’m talking about. The favorite aquarium cleaning chore of fish lovers everywhere. Changing the water in the tank. This is by far the most important thing you will do in caring for your fish whether they are freshwater or saltwater fish. Regardless of how efficient your filter system is, it can not siphon out all of the waste materials from your aquarium.

   Don’t wait until the water turns cloudy or yellow, because by then it is unsafe for the fish. Dirty water can make your fish sick, and it can cause growth problems too, plus it doesn’t look very attractive, so do not allow your tank to become an eyesore. You wouldn’t want to exist in a filthy environment, so don’t expose your fish to one either.

   Here is another don’t for you. Don’t empty the tank when you are changing the water. This is a big mistake! Only drain part of the water at intervals, and never more than half. Removing one quarter to one third of the water in the tank is best. I know it seems natural to get rid of the old water and refill the tank with new, clean water, but in the long run this will do more harm than good for the fish. Such a sudden and complete change in the chemistry of the water from what they are used to can stress-out the fish and even make them sick. It will also strip the aquarium of all bacteria, including “good bacteria”, which aides in breaking down fish waste.

   Use an aquarium or gravel vacuum or your siphon hose to do this job. There are several hoses and systems available to meet various needs, so it’s easy to find one that will serve your purpose. Before beginning, remember to remove any live plants. Maneuver the wide end of the siphon hose in and out of the gravel as the water is being siphoned out. Do this for the entire tank. This draws the dirt particles and waste matter, which are lighter, out of the gravel, while the gravel itself falls back into the tank. Keep an eye out while doing this for any fish that might get too close, as you don’t want to injure or kill them. Let the dirty water run into a bucket which you can empty when you are done. Then refill the tank with clean, fresh water.

   If you have saltwater fish, don’t forget to add the correct amount of aquarium salt.

4. Cleaning the Outside of the Aquarium

   The final thing you need to do is to clean the glass, or plastic on the outside of the aquarium. You have a lovely display of fish, plants, etc., inside, so why obscure the fantastic view?

   Here again I repeat my warning: Do not use any type of chemical cleaner. Even though you are working on the outside of the tank, it’s still best to take the precaution. Just use some tap water and a soft cloth or paper towel and you should be fine.

If you are willing to take the time and put forth the effort to diligently maintain the cleanliness of your fish tank then you will find that it is well worth it. Your fish will be healthy and your tanks will sparkle.