Don’t you hate it when your house gets messy? Well, animals bound to aquarium tanks feel much the same way. Water-bound friends such as fish, turtles, and axolotls deserve to have clean homes.
But how do you clean an aquarium tank? And how do you make sure it’s not too much of a hassle?
Read this guide for the best fish tank cleaning tips so your watery friends can stay healthy and comfortable.
Table of Contents
1. Clean Your Aquarium Tanks Regularly
You should be cleaning your fish tank or aquarium regularly. How often you should be cleaning them will depend on factors such as:
- The size of the tank
- The type of animals living in the tank
- The number of animals living in the tank
- The filter system you’re using
While you don’t have to clean your tank every day, you should keep an eye on your fish or axolotls. If they start to look sluggish, it may be time for a cleaning.
In general, though, you should aim to clean your tank at least once a week.
2. Use the Right Sized Tank
It’s important your tank is the right size for the creatures living in it. An inappropriately sized tank can actually make cleaning more difficult.
For example, fish in tanks that are too small will become stressed. This will dirty the tank faster, as they begin to excrete harmful substances.
If the tank is too big, though, this can be equally uncomfortable for your water-bound friends. It’ll also be more work to clean.
3. Pay Attention to the Substrate
The substrate, or the gravel you put on the bottom of the tank, is important. Different species will require different substrates. For example, using this axolotl tank substrate for your fish may not be the best idea.
You should also clean or scrub the substrate regularly to get rid of any harmful bacteria. You can use certain aquarium cleaning supplies to help get the job done easily.
4. Use the Right Tank Cleaner
There are plenty of different fish tank cleaners out on the market. But did you know one of the best choices for a fish tank cleaner is actually a natural one?
You can get a natural clean-up crew by welcoming cleaning creatures to your tank. Certain creatures include:
- Snails
- Oysters
- Shrimp
Some species of fish also enjoy nibbling at algae, helping to keep their environment clean.
5. Don’t Forget the Outside
Though it’s incredibly important to clean the inside of your fish tank, don’t neglect the outside, either. Cloudy glass can make it difficult to tell when the inside of the tank needs cleaning.
Be careful when cleaning the outside of your tank, though. There are many harmful chemicals found in glass cleaners. Be sure not to get these inside the tank, as they can be seriously dangerous to your fishy friends.
The Best Care For Your Water Babies
Getting your aquarium tanks clean doesn’t have to be difficult, but it is absolutely necessary. Many fish and other water-bound creatures suffer and die because of filthy tanks. Keep your water babies safe by cleaning regularly and well.
Check out our Lifestyle section to find out more about how to care for your favorite creatures!
