The most important factor of owning an aquarium is
the proper cleaning of the tank. Many new owners are unsure of how to go about
this. This information will help new freshwater aquarium owners keep a clean and
healthy tank. These first two questions are the key to maintaining your aquarium
allowing you to enjoy this beautiful addition to your home.
When should I clean my tank? You should clean your tank once every two months
unless you can really tell it needs cleaned before then. Why should I clean my
tank once every two months? Because your tank will start building up algae on
the inside and your gravel will retain waste that could make your fish ill in
the future.
The following steps are easy and quick and will provide your fish with a clean
and happy aquarium.
Step 1 (Prepare for cleaning)
You have to prepare for the steps to follow before
removing your fish from your freshwater aquarium. There are some supplies you
will need to clean the tank, so it's best to have them handy before starting.
You will need some kind of container that your fish can be placed in until it's
time for them to be put back in the tank. It doesn't have to be a large
container, but make sure your fish do have enough room to swim freely. This
container is dependant on how many fish are living in the tank. You will also
need a fish net, a towel or paper towels to wipe up any spills that may occur, a
water pitcher or a bucket for refilling the tank, food drainer, a clean sponge,
and a clean rag. After you have these things gathered, you're now ready to begin
cleaning your freshwater aquarium.
Step 2 (Removing your fish)
This may be the most important step in the cleaning process. It is time to
remove the fish from the tank. The first thing to do is make sure that the
container in which the fish are being placed has water that is about the same
temperature at the tank, other wise your fish will go into shock. When the
container of water is ready, use the net to catch each fish one-by-one and place
them in the container. Once all the fish are collected, be sure to place the
container in a safe place where it will not be spilled. It is common for fish to
become stressed when they are moved, so the water temperature and reducing as
much unneeded activity is very important.
Step 3 (Removing the fish tanks old water)
When all the fish are out of the tank, it is time to start emptying the water
from the aquarium. Using the pitcher or small bucket, begin to remove the water.
The water from the tank may be disposed in a sink or toilet. This can be a messy
task, so be sure to clean up all spills to prevent any possible accidents. It is
not necessary to remove all the water from the tank. Most freshwater aquarium
owners remove approximately 3/4 of the water. The remaining original water will
help acclimate the new water you will add later.
Step 3 (Removing and cleaning your tanks gravel)
Most of the waste that gathers in a tank settles into the gravel at the bottom.
It is very important to clean the gravel when you clean your tank. At this time
you will remove the gravel. You can use the fish net, a small scoop or even a
dustpan to do this. Place the gravel in a container. Once you have removed all
the gravel, transfer it into a strainer of some sort and run it under hot water.
Be sure to mix it up while you are rinsing so that all the sediment and waste is
removed. Once the gravel has been cleaned, place it aside. You will not be
putting it back in the tank at this time.
Step 4 (Cleaning the tank)
Now it's time to clean the inside of the tank. This can be a tedious chore if
there is a lot of build-up on the glass. Some freshwater aquariums have algae
growth on the glass. The warmer the water is inside and the more the aquarium is
exposed to natural sunlight, the more algae growth you will have. This can be
cleaned off by using a scratch pad. Try to use the least abrasive pad you can to
avoid scratching the class. Cleaning with hot water will aid in the removal of
algae. Make sure to never use any type of cleaner or detergent when cleaning the
tank. This will be fatal to the fish. After removing the algae, finish by wiping
down the rest of the tank with a towel or soft rag. You may have to repeat this
a few times. Try to rinse the rag or towel frequently to remove all the waste.
If you have decorative pieces in the tank, be sure to wash them as well using
hot water. After completing these steps, your tank should be clean of waste and
build-ups.
Step 5 (Putting it all back together)
Now it's time to replace everything. Start by replacing the gravel into the
tank, followed by refilling the water. Take notice of the temperature once
again. Try to add water that is of the same temperature as the original water in
the tank. Add your finishing touches with decorative pieces, then carefully move
the fish back in. It may take a little while for the fish to adjust to the new
water, but after having followed all these steps, you can be sure that your tank
is clean and healthy.
You won't have to completely clean your tank for another 2 months. Always
remember to change the filters if they are dirty. As an added tip, if you remove
20% of the water every month and replace it with clean water, this will cut down
on the complete cleaning of the tank in the future. To maintain a healthy tank,
it is important to clean it properly and keep up with the aquarium care. By
doing this, you will ensure a long life for your fish and an enjoyable
experience for observers.
