If you are enjoying the view of your fish tank, feeling relaxed at the serene surroundings, it can sometimes be easy to forget that it needs maintaining in order to keep your fish healthy.
It is important to set up your aquarium properly from day one, as this will help to determine how much maintenance it will need going forward. If it is incorrectly filtered for example, the water will become cloudy very quickly and your fish may suffer for it. We have put together some easy to follow steps that will enable you to keep your tank in good condition and leave you with happy fish!
What is my fish tank cleaning routine?
It is important to keep the glass of your tank clean and polished. Every 7 to 10 days wipe the outside of the tank, the inside front and also the sides.
Use a small net to remove any uneaten food every couple of days. This can make a surprising difference to the quality of the water, also removing any digested waste that the fish have released.
Replace the water in the tank once a month, even if it is just 25% of the total amount. This will help to keep it clean and ensure that the nitrate levels are safe.
Condition the new water with suitable treatments to ensure that it is free of any germs or bugs that could make your fish unwell.
Keep a regular check on the pH levels of the water in order to keep it properly maintained - our water quality testing kits are easy to use and are cost effective.
Don’t forget to clean the gravel and any decorations that you have in the tank. These can really hold onto the waste and dirt, so be sure to remove them on a regular basis and rinse them in clean water.
Check that your air pump is clean and working correctly. If it requires a regular change of filter make sure this is done without delay. This will help to keep the water oxygenated and fresh for your fish to live in safely.
What else should I check in my fish tank?
Make sure that size of your tank is suitable for the amount of fish that you are planning to keep. Overcrowding will mean more waste being produced and a need to clean it much more regularly.
Keep an eye on the temperature of the water to make sure that it is safe for your fish. If your fish are a tropical variety it is important to know straight away what their warmth needs are so that you can be prepared. Do not place a tank in front of a sunlit window or next to air vents, as this can drastically change the temperature of the water that you started off with. A fish tank thermometer is the easiest way to keep track of the conditions.
Observe your fish and take note if there is a change in their appetite or behaviour. It could mean that a piece of equipment is malfunctioning and changing the levels in the tank. It may also indicate that you are overdue a deep clean of the unit, causing the fish to suffer from intoxication of their own waste.
Monitor how long you leave the aquarium light on for. Fish need a light and dark routine just as we do, where they require around 8 to 12 hours of light per day. It will also allow any plant life in the tank to flourish. Take a look at our wide range of fish tank lighting options.
Keeping fish as pets can be a very satisfying hobby and committing just a little bit of time each day to the maintenance and upkeep of the tank will help to ensure that your fish lead a long and healthy life.
