How to Clean a Fish Tank

Clean out your tank before you add your fish, to get rid of any dirt and dust it may have accumulated from sitting on the shelf. Don't use soap, as this tends to leave a residue that is extremely harmful to fish.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Fill the tank ¼-way full with hot water. Scrub the inside and outside of the tank until it is squeaky clean. Empty out the tank and rinse it out.

2. Rinse out your aquarium gravel with hot water. Spread it in the bottom of the tank

3. Clean your filter and heater and install them in the tank.

4. Fill the tank with room temperature water. Turn on the filter and heater.

5. Let the tank water sit overnight for 24 hours before you put your fish in. This allows enough time for the temperature to stabilize, while allowing chlorine and other heavy metals to dissipate.