How to Easily Clean a Fish Tank

Cleaning a fish tank is necessary to sustain water quality and good fish health. It's easy to maintain a fish tank when you develop a routine.

Things You'll Need

  • Gravel vacuum
  • Aquarium sponge
  • Bucket
  • Water conditioner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Unplug the filter, light and heater from the wall and remove them from the aquarium. Remove the hood from the top of the aquarium to provide easy access.

    • 2

      Remove all décor and plants from the aquarium. Do not remove the fish.

    • 3

      Use a gravel vacuum to remove waste from the aquarium substrate. Vacuum the gravel as thoroughly as you can to remove sediment, plant waste and fish waste from the water. Stir the gravel up continuously with the vacuum until the water drops to approximately half of its normal height.

    • 4

      Use an aquarium sponge to clean algae and other deposits from the glass interior of the aquarium. Remove as much algae as possible from the front and sides of the glass. Leave some algae behind if otto cats, plecostomas or other algae-eating fish reside in your tank.

    • 5

      Reposition the décor and plants and replace the heater and filter in the aquarium. Try to disturb the fish as little as possible during this process.

    • 6

      Fill a bucket with clean tap water and add the appropriate amount of water conditioner according to manufacturer directions. Add the water to the aquarium slowly until you reach the normal fill line, taking care not to disturb your fish.

    • 7

      Reconnect the filter, heater and light to power and replace the hood on top of the aquarium.