How to Clean a Saltwater Tank
Keeping your saltwater tank clean is an integral part of its maintenance. Water can develop "salt creep," a buildup of evaporated salt on the surface, that needs to be cleaned. In addition, large chunks of salt can develop on the pump and other tank equipment and cause them to not work properly. Not only is cleaning your tank important for function and aesthetic reasons but it also affects the health of the fish. Above all, cleaning your saltwater tank is a matter of dedication.
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Instructions
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Skim the water surface to remove the "salt creep" and take out any uneaten food with a net. Perform these two tasks daily.
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Scrape off any algae from the aquarium panes and check the prefilter for clogs once a week. Often, uneaten food and other debris can get inside the prefilter and cause it to stop working or decrease its performance level.
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Remove about 10 percent of the tank's water weekly or biweekly, depending on your situation. First unplug any equipment that is running to your tank. Siphon about 10 percent of the tank's water into a bucket. While you are doing this, clean off any decorative items in the tank, along with the tank cover and anything that looks like it may have salt buildup forming. Use an aquarium vacuum in the gravel to remove any debris.
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Mix your replacement water. Combine commercial salt mix---available at most pet stores---with dechlorinated tap water. Use about the same amount of water that you took out of the tank. Follow the directions on the salt mix label for how much to add to the water. Once the temperature and salt levels match that of what is already in the tank, slowly add the new water in. Replace the tank cover and plug in the equipment.
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Tips & Warnings
Look at your fish daily to check for any health issues. Sick fish can often infect the entire tank rapidly; therefore, if you notice any abnormalities in the appearance of a fish, treat it immediately.
Check the levels of your water weekly.
References
- Photo Credit aquarium fish 8 image by cherie from Fotolia.com
