How to Keep Your Aquarium Clean

An aquarium is a great way to bring nature into your home. But like any other household items, it requires regular maintenance to keep it clean and healthy for your fish. The right aquarium cleaner can help you do this.

The best type of aquarium cleaner is one that does not break down the beneficial bacteria in your tank, which are responsible for eliminating waste and chemicals in the water. It also helps to avoid any harsh chemicals that could harm your fish or plants.

A good aquarium cleaner should be nontoxic, and it should leave the tank and its surfaces nearly streak-free. Fortunately, there are several nontoxic options on the market that you can use to give your aquarium a new lease on life.

Changing the Water

Change 10% to 50% of your aquarium’s water every two or three weeks. This is a simple and safe way to maintain your aquarium’s water quality.

When you do a water change, take the opportunity to remove any filter inserts, cartridges or carbon that are old and are no longer effective at absorbing toxins. You should also clean the filter’s sponge or cotton pads and replace them if they have become too full of sludge.

Rinse out the sponge, cotton and carbon pads by gently swishing them in lukewarm, flowing tank water. This keeps a part of the bacterial culture that’s naturally built up on them intact, and it also prevents sediment from getting stuck in these materials.

You can also remove a sponge pad or two from the tank and soak them in an acidic solution to remove any residue that might have formed. For more stubborn stains, you can try using a magnet to scrape away a layer of debris.

Cleaning Glass & Acrylic

Wipe down your aquarium’s glass and acrylic with an aquarium-safe cleaner at least once per week to keep it looking shiny and clear. Some brands of glass cleaners contain ammonia that’s harmful to fish, so you can opt for a “fish-safe” alternative such as Fritz’s Aquarium Glass & Acrylic Cleaner (click to browse on Amazon).

It’s also recommended to spray an all-natural glass and acrylic polish on your tank’s walls periodically to keep them looking beautiful. This will also help remove dust and fingerprints from the surface of your tank, making it look even more clean and sleek.

Performing a Gravel Vacuum

You should vacuum your gravel at least once a month to get rid of the detritus that accumulates in the tank over time. This includes the leftover food, fish waste and other decomposition remnants that have settled between the rocks in your tank’s substrate.

Be careful not to over-vacuum the tank as this can frighten your fish and cause them to panic or become aggressive. It’s also a good idea to remove any decorations or rocks that have been stirred up during the process.

Keeping your tank well-maintained will help your fish stay happy and healthy for a long time to come. And, it’ll make your aquarium look stunning when you show it off to friends and family!