Pets > FishMay 15, 2005

By April Anderson

So last month you bought a fish tank, stocked it with fish, and watched your little guys grow. Lately, however, you've noticed that the water is getting cloudy, the glass looks slimy, your blue rocks are starting to turn brown, and your filter that once ran like a waterfall is now slowly dripping. Now you're wondering how to clean your tank and keep it clean longer. Luckily, with the proper care, a fish tank can be kept clean with minimal effort.

Typical Aquarium Problems

Dirty Water

The easiest way to solve this problem is to get a power filter. The power filter is fundamental in the success of your aquarium; it's easy to use and easy to clean. The truth: if you have a power filter and maintain it your tank should almost be self-cleaning.

However, you must clean the filter often, meaning you should change the cartridges every three to four weeks. The cartridges are usually disposable, which means a no-hassle clean. Also, the cartridges are filled with carbon that remove impurities, odors, and discoloration. You'll know when to change the cartridges when the water flow from the filter has slowed down.

If cartridges are left in too long, the tank will start to look like a sewer, so a siphon and bucket may come in handy. The process is simple.

• First, insert the siphon head into the tank.
• Suck lightly on the hose end and drain the outcoming water into the bucket. Or if your siphon has a pump, squeeze it.
• Comb the siphon head over the rocks. Also, stir up the rocks to get any waste that has settled to the bottom. Should any gravel get stuck in the siphon head, lightly tap it against the glass and gravity will do the rest.
• Drain enough water to remove the waste.
• Replace the water and then replace the cartridges.

The filter also serves as an oxygen source because it sends a stream of water back into the tank. The pressurized stream creates excellent water flow throughout the entire tank that helps circulate and clean the water more effeciently.

Algae Growth

You can practically avoid algae growth with one easy step: buy a Plecostomus or algae eater. They are some of the ugliest fish, but they do a very good job of cleaning algae off of the glass, plants, and the rocks. As an added bonus, the Plecostomus does seem to have a lot of personality.

Also, it is common to want to put your aquarium in a sunny place so that the fish get some sunlight. However, when the aquarium is exposed to the sun, algae thrives. If you have a Plecostomus, the tank should be well maintained because he will have plenty of food, but if you don't have an algae eater, you personally will have to clean the tank more often.

For hands-on algae removal, you'll need an algae scraper. Your pet store should have plenty of choices, which consist of everything from magnetic scrapers that don't get your hands wet, to slightly abrasive sponges that require you to get soaked from the elbows down. Your pet store should also have an algae fighting liquid that can be poured right in the water.

Cloudy Water

This could be the result of a few things. First, only feed three to four times daily (or the recommended daily amount for your specific type of fish), as overfeeding will leave the water cloudy and cause the fish to produce more waste. As a rule of thumb, feed your fish only the amount of food that they can consume within a 3 to 5 minute period.

Sometimes the only way to fix this problem is to replace all of the water. However, if you maintain healthy feeding habits and the water is still cloudy, it might be the water you are putting in the tank. Try using bottled drinking or distilled water. The cost shouldn't be an issue, for a gallon runs around 50 to 70 cents.

Smells

What is that stench? Simple. It's ammonia, or fish piss. Your fish are essentially living in their own toilet; therefore, to keep it stench free make sure you replace the filter cartridges at least every three to four weeks. The carbon in the cartridge will neutralize the smell because, ideally, the aquarium should be smell free.

Wrap up

See, it's simple to keep your aquarium clean. The easiest, hassle-free way is to use a power filter, maintain it, and buy an algae eater. Your tank budget shouldn't even be an issue. Cartridges for the filter usually come in packs that should last about three months and are under ten bucks. Any other product you buy- the algae scraper, bucket, siphon- should last for years, as should your fish.

Keeping your fish happy and healthy is the main issue. If you follow these steps to keep your tank clean, you probably won't get frustrated and end up throwing your fish in the bushes. Happy cleaning!

Aquarium cleaning essentials

• Power filter
• Siphon
• Bucket
• Algae scraper

Success Tips

• Do not use soap or other cleaners when cleaning any portion of the aquarium (the tank itself, the power filter, bucket, siphon, anything). No matter how much hot water you rinse with, traces will remain that will harm the fish.
• For proper cleaning use a salt solution and hot water. Soak and rinse with the solution. Be sure to rinse all salt off.
• Be sure the siphon is dry and empty before sucking on it. Also, you may want to put a wad of t.p. on the end before you put your mouth on it.
• Don't let the power filter get so dirty to the point that water doesn't flow from it- the motor will burn out. Even if water is flowing good after four weeks, it is still recommended to change the cartridge.
• Do partial water changes every month. Remove about 20% of the water and replace with fresh tap or bottled water.

About The Author: April Anderson ©2004
Printed With Permission

Post Feedback

Read feedback for this post below.

• Do I Remove the Fish When Siphoning Tank?
• Removing Water Spots from Empty Fish Tank
• Platy Stays at the Bottom of the Fish Tank

• Cleaning a Fish Tank
• Fish Tank Water is Neon Green
• Algae on a Acrylic Fish Tank