Sarah-Jane White Keeping your fish aquarium clean is a breeze with these six tips!
If you’re like most fishkeepers, keeping your fish tank clean is probably one of your top priorities. However, it can be a hassle to know where to start and what the best methods are. That’s why we’ve put together six easy tips to make keeping your tank clean a breeze! So keep reading to learn more.
Why are dirty tanks bad for fish?
You must pay close attention to keeping your tank clean because a neglected aquarium is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and microorganisms. Fish diseases are caused by a wide range of infectious organisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoan and metazoan parasites. These nasty little fellows may cause almost all marine, tropical and freshwater fish to die from things like red pest disease, fin rot, and other issues.
A clean aquarium reduces the risk of infection and improves water quality. While it may not be as exciting as playing with your fish, maintaining them clean is critical to their health and happiness. If you’re diligent about following these simple guidelines, your fish tank will stay sparkling and your fish will be healthy and happy. So roll up your sleeves and let’s get started!
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1. Vacuum the gravel to remove uneaten food and waste
The gravel in your aquarium helps to keep your fish tank clean by acting as a natural filter. It’s important to vacuum the gravel regularly to remove any uneaten food or waste, as this can contribute to algae growth and bacterial contamination.
The size and shape of your aquarium vacuum can heavily impact how effectively and rapidly you clean your aquarium. Many brands, dimensions, and styles of aquarium vacuums are on the market, so you may need to research to find the right one. It’s important to select a vacuum that can reach all of the fish waste and tank grime that may be concealed in nooks and crannies.
Using a good aquarium vacuum feels like having an additional hand cleaning your aquarium. You may use it to quickly collect loose fish food, snails, and other debris floating in the water. Scrape the algae from the glass before you start to vacuum. A good vacuum is an essential piece of equipment for a good fishkeeper.
2. Use and regularly clean the filter media.
Chemical filters are often the best option for keeping water clean in your tank. They help break down fish waste and other contaminants and turn them into less hazardous substances. Chemical filters are available at any fish supply store or pet store.
Choose one with enough horsepower to handle the amount of fish in your tank. Chemical filters come in two varieties: fluidized bed filters and canister filters. They are often less costly and easier to maintain than canister filters. They come in a variety of designs, sizes, and brands. Most use activated carbon and zeolite to remove copper, salt, chlorine and ammonia from the water.
If you have an aquarium up to 20L like I do for my betta fish, then this is the right kind of filter to buy:
3. Add a Deodorizer
If your fish tank smells a bit “fishy,” you can use a deodorizer to help neutralize the odors. Deodorizers work by neutralizing the molecules that cause the smell in the first place. Deodorizers come in various forms: Granules, liquids, and even sprays. You can find them at your local fish supply store or online.
Keep in mind, however, that while deodorizers can help minimize the “fishy” smell in your tank, they won’t be able to eliminate it. You’ll need to keep up with your regular tank maintenance to keep your water clear and smelling fresh. Deodorizers work best in tanks that are already cycled. If you are cycling a new tank, you may want to wait to add a deodorizer until your tank is properly established.
If you have activated carbon in your filter already, this is the best natural deodorizer. But keeping your tank clean, should remove most of the fishy smell anyway! You could use these crystals which will boost your tank cleanliness. They work well.
4. Check Water Quality
When taking care of any aquarium, stable water quality maintenance is critical. Maintaining an appropriate habitat is the key to healthy fish and plants. Even though one species may benefit from a certain environment, another might not so make sure you keep your tank at the optimum quality. Regular water changes are crucial for this.
You should keep an eye on the specific water parameters regularly to make sure they are suitable for the type of fish you have. Use a water testing kit to check weekly and you can adjust if necessary. (Remember to buy the appopriate kit for fresh, salt or pond water). Introducing new fish, plants, rocks or substrate into your aquarium can instantly change your water parameters.
5. Use Stabilized Elemental Sulfur Prills
Sulfur is a mineral that is essential for fish, providing numerous benefits for their health. Some of these benefits include boosting the immune system, increasing fertility, promoting vitality, and helping to break down food and absorb nutrients better. Sulfur prills also provide an extra boost of minerals and help keep the pH level in fish tanks within the normal range. Stabilized elemental sulfur is a great product to add to your fish tank to help keep it clean.
Adding prills to your aquarium can be a simple process. Just measure out how much water will be in your tank and then add the appropriate amount of prills. The dosage can vary depending on the tanks, but 2-3g per 10-gallons of water is a good starting point.
Once the tank has been filled about halfway with water, you can begin adding prills. If you’re using a small container or bag, such as a tea ball or coffee filter, simply put it into the tank with prills inside. If you are using a larger container like a mesh bag, place it into the tank and fill it up with prills before securing it closed. (Find out more about sulfur prills).
6. Perform regular water changes.
Water changes are an important part of aquarium care. By changing out 10-15% of the water every week, you can keep the tank’s water fresh and healthy. It’s also a good idea to perform a partial water change after adding new fish or plants to the tank. This will help to keep the new additions happy and healthy.
READ NEXT: How to Create the Perfect Aquascape for a Betta Fish Tank
Bottom Line
Keeping your fish tank clean can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. So remember:
1. Scrape the algae off of the glass at least once a week.
2. Change out 10-15% of the water every week to keep it fresh.
3. Use a chemical filter to help get rid of fish waste and other contaminants.
3. Vacuum the gravel to remove uneaten food and waste.
4. Clean the filter media according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Perform a partial water change after adding new fish or plants to the tank.
Remember, a clean tank is a happy tank!
This is a guest post.
