How to clean your fish tank like a pro

Having a fish tank adds life to a space—both in a literal and figurative sense. It makes a home more vibrant, welcoming, and thriving. However, a dirty fish tank has the opposite effect, and its stagnant water may even cause diseases that humans can contract. As such, knowing how to clean a fish tank is important to maintaining a pleasant and healthy household.

In line with this, this article presents how to clean a fish tank for beginners, who may still be unaware of the ins and outs related to the task.

Preparing to clean your fish tank (tools, safety measures, etc.)

Before proceeding with freshwater fish tank maintenance, have the following items within arm’s reach to ensure a smooth process:

• Algae scraper or pad

• Bucket

• Cloth

• Glass or acrylic cleaner

• Gravel vacuum

• Scissors

• Small cleaning brush

• Water conditioner

• Water quality test kit

How to clean your fish tank well

Read this step-by-step guide if you want to know how to clean a fish tank without removing the fish inside:

Step 1: Check the water quality

A water quality test kit can help you determine the water’s ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite levels. A 00 ppm measurement for these compounds indicates that your fish tank’s water is safe and the ecosystem it houses can thrive.

There’s no need to empty the fish tank if the ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite levels are dangerously high; you only have to remove enough aquarium water to reach the ideal ppm.

Step 2: Scrub off the algae and trim the vegetation

Similar to the case of home gardens, the growth of an aquarium’s algae and plant life needs to be controlled to maintain a healthy and pleasant-looking environment. To do this, use an algae pad or scraper to scrub it off the tank’s inner walls. Make sure you’re using one that won’t scratch your tank, whether it’s made of glass or acrylic. You can also use a small brush to scrape algae off various surfaces, such as pebbles, ornaments, and other aquarium furniture.

Afterwards, use rust-proof scissors to manicure your aquarium’s ‘lawn.’ Rip off and remove dead plants, trim the overgrowth and wilting leaves, and ensure the presence of flora in the tank isn’t overwhelming.

Step 3: Use a gravel vacuum to syphon off water, dirt, and waste 

Before moving on to the next step in fish tank cleaning, unplug any attached equipment first. Such equipment may include water filters, heaters, and lights.

Use a gravel vacuum to remove water from the fish tank and reach the recommended ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite levels. Transfer the water to a bucket, which you’ll need in the next step. You can also use the vacuum to syphon off dirt, fish waste, uneaten food, and even dead fish floating or collecting on the aquarium’s substrate.

You don’t have to remove the fish from the tank during this process, but be careful using the vacuum so it won’t accidentally suck them.

Step 4: Clean the filter

Cleaning a fish tank thoroughly involves making sure its filter is also washed. However, it’s not necessary to bring the filter back to its original condition; doing so may get rid of the beneficial bacteria that help with filtration. All you have to do is disassemble the equipment, wring out its sponge in the water-filled bucket, gently rinse the filter media in the same container, and then brush the other filter parts. After these procedures, you may proceed with reassembly.

Step 5: Fill the tank with clean water

When refilling the fish tank with tap water, ensure it has the same temperature as the water already in the tank. You don’t have to use a thermometer for this since it’s easy to gauge any difference in water temperature using just your hands.

Carefully transfer tap water to the tank to avoid splashes, and then add a water conditioner. Afterwards, it’s safe to turn on all the equipment in the aquarium.

Step 6: Clean the tank’s exterior

The best way to clean a fish tank is by starting with what’s inside it, and now that you’re done with that part, you may begin dealing with its exterior surface. Apply a glass or acrylic cleaning solution to a cloth and use it to wipe away dirt and smudges from all sides of the fish tank. You’ll know the process is complete once every surface is sparkling, and your happy and healthy fish can enjoy their living environment again.

How to keep your fish tank clean

In addition to knowing how to keep a fish tank clean, it’s beneficial for you to learn how to prolong its healthy status in different ways, including through the following approaches:

• Keep water dwellers that feed on algae, such as catfish or snails, in your fish tank. When choosing which one to get, consider the fact that some species will only consume certain types of algae.

• Make sure not to overfeed your fish because any leftovers translate to waste that will end up as litter on the aquarium’s substrate.

• Because there’s a range of water filters available on the market, you should ensure you’re choosing the right kind for your fish tank. Some offer biological, mechanical, or chemical filtration, while others have all these capabilities. 

Moreover, determining how often you should clean a fish tank is one of the ways to responsibly take care of your pet fishes. Generally, a cleaning job every few weeks up to once a month is fine.

Simplify fish tank cleaning with Airtasker

As you already know, maintaining a place of residence does not just entail dealing with the structure itself; home cleaning also involves handling pieces of furniture and other household items. But if you want an expert to work on your aquarium specifically, Airtasker has professionals who can clean different fish tanks, including those with freshwater or seawater. 

All you need to do is create a task containing essential details about your fish tank (such as its size and how delicate your fishes are) and yourself (including your location and budget). Wait for Taskers to respond to your post and choose the one who fits the bill most.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for someone reliable to fix a broken fish tank, you may also search for them using the Airtasker website.