How Often Should I Clean Out My Freshwater Aquarium Tank?

Tank maintenance is a regular part of freshwater fishkeeping.

Weekly May Suffice

In average freshwater aquariums, a 10 percent to 15 percent water change and gravel cleaning performed once weekly is the minimum recommended maintenance schedule for a healthy tank. Other chores such as scrubbing the glass and decor items can be done at the same time.

Tank and Stocking Level May Dictate the Schedule

Smaller tanks, fishbowls and densely populated aquariums require more frequent cleaning or larger water changes to stay healthy and keep chemical build-up in check. Likewise, large established tanks with relatively small fish populations may need less frequent care to maintain water quality.

Bottom Line

Although all aquariums are different, performing a 10 percent to 15 percent water change and thorough tank cleaning once per week is a good starting point. From there, monitor your tank and clean it more or less frequently as needed.

References

• http://www.aquariumpros.com/faqpro/maintenance_1.shtml#05200724
• Animal-World.com: Maintenance Schedule
• AquaticCrittur.com: Aquarium Maintenance