About Aquarium Cleaning Tools

In established fish aquariums, the fish do a remarkable job of creating and maintaining their own ecosystem and balanced environment. But, care must be taken by the owner to ensure that the aquarium and water stays clean enough to maintain healthy living conditions for the fish. Some basic aquarium cleaning tools are recommended to ensure the best quality of life for aquarium fish.

  1. Water Changes

    • Regular water changes are needed to control the delicate chemical balance of an aquarium. Partial water changes not only remove waste products, but infuse fresh water into an aquarium to help with the pH and Nitrate levels in the water. A gravel or aquarium vacuum is a tool used to siphon the gravel, effectively removing food and fish waste that has settled at the bottom. Gravel vacuums use suction to siphon the water through a tube into a bucket or sink.

    Water Conditioning

    • When replacing old water with new in an aquarium, be sure to add water conditioners into the new water before placing it in the aquarium. Water conditioners help neutralize otherwise harmful chemicals in tap water like chlorine.

    Filters

    • Don't neglect the basics when choosing aquarium cleaning tools. Water filters are needed to keep the aquarium aerated and to help remove impurities from the tank. Filter pads and cartridges should be replaced at least once a month. When changing water filters, be sure to clean off heaters, tubing and other hardware within the tank.

    Algae Removal

    • To clean the inside of the glass and remove excessive algae, use algae scrappers and pads. To reach the bottom of the glass and remove tough algae, use a long-handled algae scraper. Magnetized algae pads are a popular choice for many aquarium owners. One side of the magnetized pad is placed on the outside of the glass and the other on the inside. Once the pieces are attached through the glass, the pads are moved all around the aquarium effectively removing algae.

    Glass Cleaning

    • Use the right tools to clean the outside of the aquarium. Use a soft cloth and water or glass cleaning agents specifically designed for aquariums to remove smudges and fingerprints from the glass. For lime deposits that form on the hood of the aquarium, use non-toxic lime removers found at reputable pet or fish supply stores. Never use household chemicals including dish soap to clean your aquarium as they can be toxic to your fish.

    Warning

    • An important part of keeping fish safe and healthy is making sure you use tools and chemicals made and used only for aquariums. Multi-purpose tools used in other household cleaning can introduce harmful bacteria into your tank. Be sure that cleaning chemicals used in or on the tank are safe for fish.