The health and happiness of your fish and plants depend on you keeping your aquarium clean. Not only does a clean tank look better, but it also guarantees that your aquatic environment stays balanced and bacteria-free.
Even though cleaning an aquarium can seem difficult, especially for newcomers, it can actually be simple and stress-free if you take the proper approach. You can keep your fish happy in a spotlessly clean aquarium by following a few easy steps.
This post will walk you through cleaning your aquarium, outlining the supplies you’ll need, the procedures to follow, and some helpful hints to make the task go more smoothly. These pointers will assist you in finishing the task efficiently, whether you’re cleaning on a regular basis or taking on a more extensive cleaning.
It’s critical to adhere to a step-by-step procedure when cleaning an aquarium to protect your fish’s health and safety and to keep the surrounding area hygienic. To do this, the fish must be carefully removed, the tank and decorations must be cleaned without using dangerous chemicals, and before the fish are put back in, the water must be restored to the proper levels. You can maintain the beauty of your aquarium and the health of your aquatic pets by following these safety measures.
- How to wash a new aquarium
- Scheduled washing of the aquarium
- Video on the topic
- HOW TO WASH AN AQUARIUM BEFORE USE
- How not to siphon the soil and how to do it correctly.
- How to clean an aquarium. Simple rules for crystal clear water.
- HOW TO CLEAN AN AQUARIUM
- How to clean an aquarium | Typical mistakes of beginners
How to wash a new aquarium
You have to wash or at least rinse a new aquarium before installing and filling it. This is because, just like any product, it was unknown where the aquarium was before it was bought, as well as who touched it and what happened to it.
We bring the aquarium into the bathroom as a result. It’s best to set everything up ahead of time. Gather clean rags or towels, a surface for the cleaned aquarium, a sponge, and soda. The truth is that even a small aquarium weighs quite a bit, and when it gets wet, it gets slippery on top of everything else. It is not very convenient to lift the aquarium, turn it over, or do other manipulations in its current state.
After everything is ready, put the aquarium in the bathtub and give it a quick rinse—ideally with hot water. Use baking soda and a dishwashing sponge to carefully and thoroughly clean the aquarium.
After that, you should give everything several thorough rinses. Turn the aquarium gently on its side and use a shower spray to clean everything, if the aquarium permits it.
After that, remove the aquarium from the bathtub and set it down on a surface that has been ready. To prevent the aquarium from slipping out of your hands, we advise using grips or towels. You might require assistance from two people. The aquarium is now prepared for additional installation; you can read more about it HERE. Ta dam.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND TIPS:
– Any chemicals, including soap, Domestos, and Comet, can be used to clean and wash the aquarium. But you have to realize that the harder it is to wash off, the more powerful the chemicals. Remaining chemicals are not acceptable. It is not worth washing a new aquarium multiple times with different cleaning solutions because it does not require a very thorough cleaning.
– Clean the newly acquired soil and accessories simultaneously with the aquarium. Warm water is used to wash the soil and décor. It is important to note that the term "soil" in this context refers to quartz, gravel, sand, and other "colored crumbs." specific plant substrates that don’t require washing. Cases were discussed on the forum.
All of the aforementioned manipulations are done at the installation site if you are the owner of a brand-new, sizable aquarium. It is preferable to avoid using any chemicals at all in this instance where the soda wash is pumped out using a hose. Washing the aquarium is not necessary if it is spotless. If you truly feel like it, you can safely clean the aquarium without needing to rinse it by wiping it down with 3% hydrogen peroxide from the pharmacy.
Scheduled washing of the aquarium
The question of how frequently it should be done is arguably the most crucial one here. It’s not required to give the aquarium a thorough cleaning—draining the water, removing the dirt, etc. You will upset the biological equilibrium as a result.
Weekly fresh water replacement, siphoning the soil, and internal wall wiping are all part of the routine maintenance of the aquarium.
It is advised to watch
Weekly aquarium cleaning should adhere closely to the following protocol:
1. Remove the thermostat, aeration system, and filter. Everything’s cleaned and set aside.
2. Take care of and prune the plants as needed.
3. Scrub the aquarium’s walls. using specialized glass scrapers or a sponge.
4. Siphon the soil if needed. Cleaning the soil once a week is not necessary.
5. The water is only changed after this: fresh water is added after the old water is drained.
6. Put the cleaned equipment back in place.
Remember to wipe the inside of the lamps and the aquarium cover at least once a month.
Use a dry cloth to wipe the aquarium clean after any manipulations; a window cleaner can be used to get rid of stains.
| Step | Description |
| 1. Unplug and Remove Accessories | Turn off all equipment and remove decorations, rocks, and plants carefully. |
| 2. Drain the Water | Use a siphon or bucket to drain about 50% of the water. |
| 3. Clean the Glass | Scrub the inside glass with an algae pad or scraper. |
| 4. Rinse Gravel | Stir and rinse the gravel with the remaining water to remove debris. |
| 5. Clean Decorations | Rinse and gently scrub decorations and plants with aquarium water. |
| 6. Refill the Tank | Fill the tank with clean, conditioned water to the appropriate level. |
| 7. Reinstall Equipment | Place the equipment, decorations, and plants back into the tank, then plug everything back in. |
| 8. Observe the Fish | Watch the fish for a few minutes to ensure everything is functioning correctly. |
The health and happiness of your fish and plants depend on you keeping your aquarium clean. Frequent washing promotes a balanced environment by preventing the growth of dangerous bacteria and algae.
You can maintain the best-looking aquarium by taking the correct procedures, which include taking out the fish, cleaning the glass, and handling the filter correctly. Use the proper equipment and stay away from harsh chemicals that could endanger your aquatic life.
In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, a clean aquarium supports a robust ecosystem. You can have a vibrant, thriving underwater world in your house with regular care.
