Believe it or not but freshwater fish is one of the popular pets in the world. In the U.S. alone, more than 11 million households have a tank!
They might not be as “fun” as a dog or cat in that they’re not as interactive but they can still make a great pet. What’s more, is that they can actually benefit your health!
That’s right, studies have shown that they can actually lower your risk of heart disease. Not only that, but they can also help alleviate stress and anxiety.
Thinking of getting an aquarium? Want to know how to clean a fish tank? Then you’re on the right page—because that’s what we’ll be going over below!
Why It’s Important to Clean the Fish Tank
A number of things can happen if you don’t regularly clean your fish tank. For one thing, toxins can accumulate, which can be harmful to your fish.
Not only that, but improper water chemistry can also stress out your tank’s inhabitants. In fact, it can actually shorten their life spans. That’s why it’s so important to clean the tank on a regular basis—ideally once per week.
How to Clean a Fish Tank: 3 Things That You Want to Do
There are certain steps that you want to take when it comes to cleaning a fish tank. Here’s a mini-guide for beginners.
- Change the Water
Use a water siphon to remove water from the tank (aim for around 25%). Chances are, it’ll also get rid of debris that’s in the substrate.
Once you’ve done that, fill the tank back up with clean, dechlorinated water. Ideally, it should be the same temperature as the water in the tank—that way, it won’t stress out your fish.
- Clean the Filter
The aquarium filter needs cleaning as well. Don’t rinse it with tap water, though, that will kill off all the beneficial bacteria.
What you want to do instead, is clean it with water from the tank. Remove the pad or sponge inside and gently squeeze it to remove the debris.
- Remove the Algae From the Glass
It’s not uncommon for algae to grow on the inside of the glass. Fortunately, most of them can be wiped off with a sponge.
In some cases, however, you may need to use a scraper (you can find them at most aquarium stores). Alternatively, you can use a magnet cleaner—it’ll allow you to clean the glass from the outside.
Cleaning Your Aquarium
And there you have it—a short guide on how to clean a fish tank. As you can see, the process consists of more than one step!
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