How to Clean A Fish Tank

Regular cleaning and maintenance makes sure that potential threats are kept at bay and helps to create a healthy environment for your fishy friends to thrive in. A clean fish tank is not just about aesthetics, it plays a crucial role in keeping your fish healthy. Dirty water can lead to a host of problems for your fish, including diseases and infections. Algae build-up, uneaten food, and fish waste can cause ammonia spikes, which are hazardous to your pets. Regular cleaning prevents these issues and ensures a balanced and healthy ecosystem. 

Water quality is essential for the well-being of your fish. By maintaining a clean tank, you reduce the levels of toxins like ammonia and nitrites, which can harm your fish when allowed to build up. Clean water helps in the proper functioning of filters and aeration systems as well. A dirty tank with cloudy water and algae covered glass can also be an eyesore. A clean tank not only provides a better viewing experience but also allows you to take pride in your aquarium. It becomes a focal point of whatever room you decide to have it in. 

When performing a partial water change, it's usually best to leave the fish in the tank to minimise their stress. Fish are highly sensitive to changes in their environment, and moving them can cause unnecessary anxiety. By leaving them in the tank, you allow them to remain in a familiar setting while you carefully siphon out a small portion of the water and clean the tank walls and substrate. Make sure to use dechlorinated water to refill the tank, ensuring it is at the same temperature to avoid shocking your fish. 

The best way to disturb them as little as possible is through doing regular, small water changes so you don’t need to remove too much. If you're planning to remove a larger amount of water, you should temporarily relocate your fish to a safe container using their old tank water. Using a fish net, gently transfer the fish from the tank to a sturdy container, filled with water from the tank to maintain consistency in water parameters. Using their old water will avoid causing any major shock with such a big environmental change.  

Algae scrapers and pads are essential tools for keeping the tank clean. They help remove algae from the glass without scratching it. Use these tools like the Marina Medium Algae Magnet regularly to keep the tank looking pristine. 

A gravel vacuum like the Interpet Prime Fish Tank Gravel Cleaner is a must-have for cleaning the substrate. It helps remove debris and uneaten food from the gravel, which can otherwise decompose and pollute the water. Regular vacuuming keeps the substrate clean and the water quality high. 

Water conditioners are crucial for maintaining a healthy tank environment. Products like Nutrafin Aqua Plus Tap Water Conditioner neutralise harmful chemicals like chlorine and chloramine found in tap water. You should use a water conditioner when adding new water to the tank. 

For most aquariums, weekly maintenance is plenty to keep on top of keeping it clean. This includes checking the water parameters, removing debris, and performing a partial water change. In addition to weekly maintenance, a monthly deep cleaning is usually necessary. This involves cleaning the tank walls, vacuuming the gravel, and cleaning the filter. Deep cleaning will help to make sure that all aspects of the tank are addressed and prevent any long term issues. 

You will need to regularly check the water parameters, such as pH, ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. You can easily measure all of these with a kit like the Tetra Test 6 In 1 Kit Aquarium. Testing will help you understand how often your tank needs to be cleaned to stop the parameters from moving too much. High levels of ammonia and nitrites are particularly harmful to fish and can indicate that immediate cleaning is needed or the conditions can become harmful for your fishy friends.  

Cleaning your fish tank is essential for maintaining a healthy environment for your aquatic pets. Every tank is different depending on the size and how many fish you keep in it. Plants can also change how often you need to clean your tank but the process of cleaning is the same.  

Before starting the cleaning process, gather all the necessary supplies. This includes a fish net, algae scraper, gravel vacuum, buckets, water conditioner, and clean towels. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more efficient so you’re not making your fish wait any longer to settle back into their clean home.  

Use an algae scraper or pad to clean the inside glass of the tank. Remove any visible algae build-up to ensure a clear view of your fish. Be gentle to avoid scratching the glass or if you are cleaning the glass with your fish still in the tank, avoid startling them. Magnet cleaners are a great choice for glass cleaning because you don’t have to put your hand into the water so you’re less likely to scare your fishy friends. You don’t need to use anything except the tank water for this or you risk introducing something harmful into the little ecosystem.  

Use a gravel vacuum like the Interpet Prime Fish Tank Gravel Cleaner to clean the substrate. Old food, fecal matter and dirt will often fall into the gravel and while the water might look clean, moving the gravel around can kick up a lot of this dirt. Regular cleaning will help you limit how much the muck hiding in the gravel can impact the environment of your fish.  

Perform a partial water change by removing 25-30% of the water from the tank. Replace it with fresh, conditioned water at the same temperature as the tank. The more water you remove, the more likely you are to cause a drastic change to the water temperature and quality so little and often is always better.  

Inspect the filter and clean it if necessary. Rinse the filter media in old tank water to preserve beneficial bacteria. Avoid using tap water, as it can kill these bacteria, which are essential for maintaining a healthy tank. The media will need replacing when you can no longer get it clean which usually lasts around a month or so. Media replacements can be easy to find like the Juwel Standard Wool Poly Pad Filter but each filter is different and may need a different refill.  

Remove any ornaments, decorations, or artificial plants from the tank. Just like the filter media, rinse these items in old tank water to avoid killing beneficial bacteria. Gently scrub away any algae using a clean brush or sponge. Avoid using soap or detergents, as these can be harmful to your fish. You should never use anything to clean ornaments that you wouldn’t want to introduce into the water of the tank. By cleaning the ornaments in old tank water, you help preserve the necessary bacteria while not overloading the tank with algae.  

Once the tank is clean, carefully transfer your fish back into the tank if you had to remove them. Make sure the water temperature is stable and the environment is safe. Observe the fish for any signs of stress or illness. The water may be a little cloudy at first but it should settle quite quickly so both you and your pets can reap the benefits of a nice and clean tank.  

If you notice persistent and uncontrollable algae growth despite regular cleaning, it might be time to replace the tank. Algae can indicate underlying issues with water quality and tank maintenance. Inspect the tank regularly for any cracks or leaks. A damaged tank can pose a risk to your fish and your home. If you find any structural issues, consider replacing the tank to ensure the safety of your fish. After a lot of use, the seal can start to wear down and you could use it as an excuse for a tank upgrade for your fish. 

If you find it challenging to maintain water quality despite regular maintenance, it could be a sign that the tank needs replacing. Older tanks can develop issues that affect water stability and fish health. Try changing your filter media before swapping out the whole tank as it could be that the media has just come to the end of its life and needs replacing.  

A dirty tank can lead to various health risks for your fish. Poor water quality can cause stress, infections, and diseases. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent these issues and keep your fish healthy. Fish living in dirty tanks tend to have shorter lifespans. The build-up of toxins and harmful substances can weaken their immune systems and make them more susceptible to diseases. Keeping the tank clean ensures a longer, healthier life for your fish. 

Fish in dirty tanks will often exhibit behavioural changes such as lethargy, loss of appetite, and erratic swimming. These changes indicate stress and discomfort. 

Maintaining a clean fish tank is crucial for the health and happiness of your aquatic pets. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a sparkling tank and a thriving environment for your fish. For all of your tank cleaning essentials, visit us in store or online and keep your aquatic friends happy and thriving. Happy fish-keeping!