When cleaning your fish tank, don't use soaps or detergents, as they could be harmful to aquatic and plant life.
Clean a Fish Tank. A crystal-clear tropical fish tank with colorful fishes darting around is a delight to behold. Keeping a tropical fish tank clean and looking good is not a difficult task. Not only will this add to the beauty of one's home, but it will also help promote happy and healthy fish. Follow these steps to find out how.
Instructions
1. Unplug all electrical appliances, like the filter, aeration, lights or water heater, that are connected to the fish tank.
2. Remove the hood or top fixture and wipe down with clean water and paper towels.
3. Scoop enough water from the fish tank with a cup or bowl into a separate holding container to temporarily house fish.
4. Gently transfer fish to the holding container using a fish net.
5. Scrub the inside tank walls with an algae scraper or pad.
6. Remove rocks, artificial plants or any decorations that are noticeably dirty. Rinse well in running tap water and let air dry.
7. Using a siphon, clean the gravel and vacuum away debris at the bottom of the tank. When siphoning, remove up to 25 percent of the water, depending on how dirty the water is.
8. Remove soiled filter media and discard in a garbage bag. Remove the filter unit and rinse off with clean water.
9. Use a bucket and fill up the tank with clean tap water.
10. Add chlorine or chloramine remover which is available from any major pet store. This will remove chemicals harmful to fish that are found in tap water.
11. Replace rocks, artificial plants and decorations in the tank. Plug back in all electrical appliances.
12. Replace filter and filter media. Turn on filter and allow to run for an hour or so. This will reduce stress to the fish and normalize the water temperature.
13. Wipe down the outside of tank with clean water and paper towels.
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