Cleaning fish tanks
Cleaning your fish tank is the most important aspect of fish tank maintenance. A dirty fish tank can lead to algae and bacteria growth which can make your fish sick and in many cases, kill them. Here’s what you need to know about cleaning fish tanks.
Preventative measures work best. The first step in keeping your fish tank clean starts before it ever gets dirty. This means having an appropriate filter for your tank. Another preventative measure is to make sure that you don’t have too many fish for your tank. Overpopulating your tank can create an unhealthy environment. Fish excrement won’t be able to be broken down and will make your fish sick.
So now that you’ve taken all the measures to have a clean tank, what do you do once it gets dirty? The first tool for cleaning fish tanks that you will need is a fish net for removing the fish while you clean. Next, use an algae scraper to remove residue from the glass. You can use a 10% bleach solution to clean rocks, tank decorations, and artificial plants. Make sure to rinse items very well after cleaning and let them dry before placing them back in the tank. Do NOT use soap to clean these items as it can be difficult to entirely remove the soap and any remaining residue can kill fish. A gravel vacuum can be used to clean debris on the bottom of your tank.
Don’t forget to either clean the filter or purchase a new one. However, it should not be cleaned or changed at the same time that the other cleaning is being done as this creates too much change in the delicate balance of an aquarium’s environment. By cleaning everything at once you will be eliminating beneficial bacteria that your tank needs to survive. The same applies with changing the water. Only remove about 10% of the water. Fill it with regular tap water but make sure to add a dechlorinator prior to adding the water to the tank; otherwise it will make your fish sick.
By keeping your filter and tank clean you will create a healthy environment for your fish to thrive. Frequent little cleanings will be easier then waiting a long time and having to deep clean the entire tank. Cleaning fish tanks will also increase your enjoyment of the tank. After all, no one wants to look at a murky algae covered tank.
Keeping your aquarium healthy
Setting up a saltwater aquarium is a detailed process, but the result is worth the effort.
The main components for a healthy marine environment are an acrylic or glass aquarium, filtering equipment, lights, and heaters.
Once you have gathered the needed components for a saltwater aquarium, there is a precise protocol to ensure whatever marine life placed in the new tank won’t be immediately killed in its new home.
Step 1: Check the tank for leaks. Patience is key and you cannot afford to skip this step (or any, for that matter). Find a level place to check for leaks, preferably in your garage, driveway, etc. – somewhere that won’t be damaged in case there is a leak in your tank.
Step 2: Clean the tank using a solution of 1 tsp bleach to every 5 gallons of water. Scrub the tank and any plastic rocks, plants, toys or decorations you plan on placing in the tank. Then, rinse everything several time with clean water.
Step 3: Install the filtration system according to manufacturer’s directions. All models will vary in installation techniques, so pay attention to the supplied instructions.
Step 4: Clean any substrate (rocks, gravel, glass pebbles, etc.) thoroughly.
Step 5: Insert the plants, using the substrate to anchor the plant bottoms.
Step 6: Fill a large bucket with dechlorinated, clean water.
Step 7: Using a hydrometer (this is a tool that reads how much salt is dissolved in the water), add salt. The salt content goal is a specific gravity between 1.020 and 1.023.
Step 8: Fill the tank now with the prepared saltwater – leaving about an inch of space at the top.
Step 9: Turn on the filter system.
Step 10: Add heater and thermometer. Most marine fish live best between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 11: Let the system run for at least 72 hours to get the temperature settings right and ensure the water is moving. Don’t rush this.
Step 12: Cycle the aquarium in order to grow the bacteria that will form a steady biological cycle in your marine environment.
Step 13: Once the tank temperature is within suggested limits and the chemical levels are consistent, add the fish.
Step 14: You will need a powerhead, but not one so big that it produces a whirlpool effect. In healthy saltwater aquariums, water movement is integral to maintaining the environment.
Step 15: Buy a protein skimmer, also a necessity for saltwater tanks. Protein skimmers remove organic debris from the water before it converts to nitrates. You might also need an external water pump and possibly an air pump for your skimmer.
Aquarium cleaning supplies
Aquarium cleaning supplies are crucial when it comes to cleaning and maintaining your fish tank. It’s a good idea to purchase cleaning supplies even before your tank needs cleaning. Consider the following suggestions for aquarium cleaning supplies:
• A filter brush will help you clean those small, hard-to-reach places.
• Lime cleaner will help to eliminate the lime deposits on the hood, lid or light. Household cleaners should never be used in an aquarium. Find a safe cleaner made for aquarium use.
• A siphon or gravel vac is used for vacuuming gravel. This will get rid of waste and other undesirable things that settle into the gravel.
• A glass scraper will eliminate algae buildup. Different scrapers are available for glass and acrylic aquariums.
• You may also use a magnet to get rid of algae.
• Various brushes and gloves also prove useful when cleaning an aquarium.
Once you have purchased appropriate aquarium cleaning supplies, it’s time to set a cleaning schedule and then to actually clean your aquarium. Routine cleanings will keep fish healthier. Your cleaning sessions will be easier and faster when your tank is being cleaned at regular intervals.