The cleaner your aquarium, the more your fish will like it and the better their health will be in the long run. A well-maintained tank looks beautiful and offers a comfortable environment for your fish. However, as time passes, ammonia and nitrates may build up, resulting in noticeable changes to the appearance of the tank and the health of your aquatic pets. Not even the best filters can fully maintain the water quality in your tank on their own.
Following the installation of your planted aquarium, the next step is to create a routine care schedule just like you would with any other type of aquarium. Here are some helpful tips on how you can keep your fish tank safe and clean at all times:
1. Change The Water Regularly
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Regular aquarium maintenance should include water changes even if the water seems clean. Food particles in the fish’s diet are deposited at the bottom of the tank, where they’ll eventually decompose. They’ll also contribute to the dirt and debris that may already be present in that area.
The frequency of cleanings will vary depending on the dimensions of your aquarium, the number of fish, and the kind of filtration system you have. There’s an appropriate cleaning routine for the unique circumstances of your tank.
A basic rule of thumb for the majority of aquariums is that a weekly water change will result in the fish being in good health. To improve water quality, all that’s required is to replace the tank’s water capacity with treated water. A scraper or sponge should be used to clean decorative items in the tank, and an aquarium vacuum is ideal for eliminating dirt and debris.
Every week, change 10 to 15% of the water. Bump it up to 20% each week if your tank is full. Having a small load in your tank may allow you to go for two weeks between water changes, but this should be the most extended amount of time that you should let your fish go without a water change. Check out AquariumStoreDepot and similar websites for more maintenance tips for your planted aquarium.
2. Clean The Filter
Be careful when cleaning the tank filter as part of your regular maintenance schedule. Not only does it perform the function of removing solid and dissolved waste, but it also assists in maintaining the nitrogen cycle by growing beneficial bacteria.
All you have to do is look for movement in the water and see whether plants are swaying with the current. You can determine whether anything has become lodged in the filter or if the filter is filled with algae or debris by examining the filter intake.
A filter that struggles to draw water through may overheat or run dry, which are both harmful to the device. Suppose you can reduce the water level below the filter output during your weekly water change. In that case, you can observe the flow when the water comes back into the tank from the filter. You may also place your palm over it to check the flow for yourself.
An aquarium filter is an essential element when it comes to preserving day-to-day water quality. Internal power filters are the simplest and most commonly available, consisting of a tiny water pump mounted on top of a narrow box holding a sponge. These are included in the aquarium. Additionally, you may find more traditional under gravel filters (UGFs) in budget tanks and external power filters in more advanced versions.
3. Scrape The Inside And Outside Of The Glass
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To remove algae off the sides of your tank, use a scrap razor or a blade to shave off any that accumulates. To keep its development to a minimum, you should frequently scrape the sides of the tank. This will enable you to see all the colors and features of your tank.
The interior may seem dirty if there are fingerprints and dust on the outside even if the rest of the tank is immaculately clean. Cleaning the glass regularly can prevent water pollution, but chemical cleansers and other cleaning products shouldn’t be used.
Go for aquarium-safe glass and acrylic cleaners to thoroughly wash down the exterior walls of the tank to eliminate any water stains and smudges. In addition, be sure to clear the dust that has gathered on the cover, light, and support of the aquarium.
4. Wash The Accessories
Fish tank accessories such as rocks, logs, castles, and sunken ships that are entirely coated with algae appear messy and unappealing.
After you’ve finished cleaning the inside of the glass, you’ll need to remove any of the stones, artificial plants, and decorations that have significant algae development or are obviously dirty as well as any other visible debris. For best results, wash these accessories with warm water, rinse them out, and then wipe them to remove algae buildup and keep them as good as new.
Don’t use detergents or soaps to clean them—even the tiniest amount of soap may be hazardous to your fish. Using an algae scraper to remove algae and debris off of rocks and plants is enough to accomplish the task.
5. Introduce An Algae Eater
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Algae-eating animals like snails or some kinds of catfish may be used to manage the buildup of algae in your fish tank. Algae eaters come in many varieties, so it’s essential to choose the appropriate ones for the algae type you’re dealing with and make sure they can adapt to the tank and get used to eating algae in order to reduce the amount. You also have to know the water quality, temperature, tank size, and pH level of your tank as well as that of the algae eater’s environment.
Conclusion
There are many reasons cleaning a fish tank should be done frequently, the most important of which is to keep your aquatic animals safe and healthy. You should make a special effort to monitor the aquarium’s water quality since doing so is the most effective method to preserve the excellent condition of the tank. You’ll be able to create a more pleasant and healthier environment for your pet fish and boost the aesthetic appeal of your home at the same time if you can see to it that your aquarium is as pristine as possible.
