How To Easily Clean An Aquarium

If you think the best way to clean the tank is to take all the water out and wash it with soap or detergent, we hate to tell you that you’re doing it all wrong.

There is no denying that keeping your aquarium clean is extremely important. It affects the health of your fish and their well-being. So if you don’t know how to clean an aquarium, grab a pencil and write down the advice you’ll get in this article.

Cleaning an aquarium

Fish are very sensitive creatures, so you should always make sure that the aquarium is clean. However, it is not just about how clean it is, but also how we clean it.

That’s right, if we don’t do it the right way, it can lead to serious health problems. That said, here are some tips on how to clean an aquarium.

Tips for a clean aquarium

Do not use soap

Do not use cleaning products with detergents because of the toxic content that can remain as a residue. Don’t even think about using soap, dish soap, or other cleaning products you may have around the house. These types of products can leave chemical residues that can kill our small pets in the aquarium.

Use a scraper

Algae and moss, usually green in color, can build up on the walls or objects in your tank. Microorganisms and bacteria can collect on them, so you should clean them with a scraper at least once a week. However, remember not to use soap or cleaning products.

Fish that clean

There are some fish species that feed on the algae and microorganisms that settle on the walls of the aquarium. You’ve probably heard about fish cleaning.

These are specific fish species that feed on waste and dirt and therefore keep the aquarium clean in a natural and ecological way. However, there are two things to keep in mind when considering these fish:

First of all , the presence of fish in an aquarium that clean doesn’t mean you never have to clean it. While these types of fish help keep it clean, they also produce feces and waste.

You also need to make sure that the cleaner fish you introduce can coexist with the species you already have.

Clean the filter

If you have a filter in your aquarium then you need to know how important it is and then you need to keep it clean. You should clean it at least every fifteen days.

In addition, specialized centers usually give you instructions and they offer you tools and utensils for cleaning. Remember to clean these thoroughly, preferably not at the same time as the rest of the aquarium.

How to clean an aquarium, step by step

You don’t have to drain the water completely to clean the aquarium. Changing three quarters of the water per cleaning is sufficient.

Most people mistakenly believe that the correct way to clean an aquarium is to remove the fish, empty it completely, and then clean it with soap and water. However, this is far from the correct way to clean an aquarium.

In fact , the water should be changed every two or three days, but it should not be completely drained. You really only need to change about three quarters of the water.

We cannot emphasize this enough: using soap can leave detergent residue that can be toxic and deadly to our little swimmers. It is better to use natural products, such as vinegar for example. Therefore, follow these steps for proper cleaning of the aquarium.

Step by step how to clean an aquarium

First remove all accessories (stones, plants, ornaments) from the aquarium and clean them with plenty of running water. Also use a scraper if necessary. Clean them well until the running water that rinses them comes out clean.
Now you have to put the current water from your aquarium with the fish in another tank. Use a container that you are sure does not contain any traces of soap or detergent. Transfer the water and fish to that tank.
Scrape the walls of the aquarium with a scraper, making sure to remove any algae or caked-on residue.

Clean the aquarium with a little vinegar and a cloth. Clean it well and then remove all traces of vinegar with plenty of running water. Let it dry well.
Put your fish in the tank, but only with some of the water (enough to move around).
In another container, add the amount of fresh water you need to fill the tank. Now add the specific products for aquariums. These products guarantee that the water is suitable for your fish, without chlorine or other harmful chemicals.
Follow the instructions in the water treatment kit and then add it to the aquarium, making sure it is at the same water temperature when your fish reach.

Conclusion

As you can see, it’s not that hard. Remember not to do a complete water change as this can shock the fish. Just change about 3/4 of the water and make sure all accessories and walls of the aquarium are clean and free of algae.

Another important reminder: do not use soap or regular cleaning products, these can be very dangerous for your little swimmers. Above all, keep in mind that a properly cleaned aquarium is a must for the health of your pets.