How to Clean a Fish Tank

A crystal-clear tropical fish tank with colorful fishes darting around is a delight to behold. Keeping a tropical fish tank clean and looking good is not a difficult task. Not only will this add to the beauty of one's home, but it will also help promote happy and healthy fish. Follow these steps to find out how.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels
• Chlorine or chloramine remover
• Algae scraper or pad
• Container to temporarily house fish
• Filter media
• Fish net
• Cup or bowl
• Siphon
• Bucket

Instructions

1. Unplug all electrical appliances, like the filter, aeration, lights or water heater, that are connected to the fish tank.

2. Remove the hood or top fixture and wipe down with clean water and paper towels.

3. Scoop enough water from the fish tank with a cup or bowl into a separate holding container to temporarily house fish.

4. Gently transfer fish to the holding container using a fish net.

5. Scrub the inside tank walls with an algae scraper or pad.

6. Remove rocks, artificial plants or any decorations that are noticeably dirty. Rinse well in running tap water and let air dry.

7. Using a siphon, clean the gravel and vacuum away debris at the bottom of the tank. When siphoning, remove up to a maximum of 75 percent of the water depending on how dirty the water is. Typically, removing 50 percent of the water is sufficient to clean a fish tank.

8. Remove soiled filter media and discard in a garbage bag. Remove the filter unit and rinse off with clean water.

9. Use a bucket and fill up the tank with clean tap water.

10. Add chlorine or chloramine remover which is available from any major pet store. This will remove chemicals harmful to fish that are found in tap water.

11. Replace rocks, artificial plants and decorations in the tank. Plug back in all electrical appliances.

12. Replace filter and filter media. Turn on filter and allow to run for an hour or so. This will reduce stress to the fish and normalize the water temperature.

13. Wipe down the outside of tank with clean water and paper towels.

Tips & Warnings

• Diligently replace and clean filter media as recommended. Check filter unit instruction booklet for further instruction.

• Set aside a specific time every week to spot clean the fish tank. Change 10-15% of the water when you do so.

• Make sure you have adequate aeration when putting your fish in the holding container.

• If the water is cloudy, use a freshwater clarifier available at any major pet store.

• Designate a new bucket for aquarium use only.

• Don't over clean the gravel or completely remove all tank water. You'll remove beneficial bacteria that help remove harmful wastes in the tank.

• Don't use soap or detergents as they are very difficult to completely remove can be lethal to fish.