How To Clean A Fish Tank

A clean aquarium or a clean fish tank not only looks beautiful but also keeps your fish happy and healthy. Over time nitrates and metabolites start accumulating in the tank. This may affect the appearance of the tank and also the health of the fish.

Therefore it is essential to keep your fish tank clean and tidy. Here are some steps which you can use to clean your fish tank.

1.  Remove the Algae from the Tank

To remove any algae from the tank you need an algae scraper. An algae scraper possessing a blade attachment which will help remove the tough algae spots. 

If the algae are on the lid, then you can easily remove them by rinsing the lid. Moreover, if algae are also covering the aquarium decor, then you can remove it using a toothbrush.

2.  Turn-off all Equipment of the Aquarium

Before you remove the water of the aquarium, you will have to unplug all the equipment like aquarium heaters and filters. The reason is that they require water for their operation and may get damaged when they operate in the dry air.

3.  Vacuum the Substrate

Then get an aquarium siphon and vacuum around one-third of the substrate. Move the decorations or hardscape to remove the debris because it is likely that debris may get stuck underneath them. 

4.  Clean the Filter of the Aquarium

If you are using a hang-on-back, corner box filter, or canister, then you can swish it and wash it in the bucket of removed tank water. But if you are using a sponge filter, then you will have to remove the foam and have to wring it multiple times in the bucket of drawn tank water.

5.  Refill the Tank with Water

Now it’s time to fill the tank with fresh and clean water that matches the temperature of the existing aquarium water. Empty the bucket possessing the old tank water and refill it with tap water. Now add the water in the tank slowly. Now add de-chlorinator, liquid fertiliser and root tabs for the substrate.

6.  Plug the Equipment

Once you have done everything from removing algae to re-filling the fish tank with water and adding gravel and other decoration items, you will have to install the aquarium heater and filter and turn them on. After 1 hour, all the debris will settle down, or the filter will suck it.

7.  Clean the Outside Walls of the Tank

To give the tank a cleaner look wipe the outside walls of the tank using aquarium-safe glass and acrylic cleaner. This will help remove the water spots and stains. Clean the dust on the lid, stand and light, and you are good to go.

Using the steps mentioned above can help you ensure a clean fish tank, that is healthy for your fish.

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