When Is It Ok to Remove Fish From an Aquarium to Clean?

Aquariums can look beautiful with brightly colored fish and vivid corals and live rock. However, all aquariums get dirty and need regular maintenance and care. You do not want to harm your fish or cause them undue stress. It's actually rare that you will have to remove your fish during a cleaning. In fact, it's best to follow a few simple rules before considering removing your fish.

Things You'll Need

  • 5-gallon bucket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check out the tank. What type of cleaning does it need? Can you get by on a small water change and siphoning your rocks, or do you need to remove items from the tank and scrub or bleach those them? If you are ready to clean the tank, remove any decorations that you need to scrub or bleach and place them aside.

    • 2

      Examine your fish. Check for any signs of illness or listlessness. If you have fish that are sick or have special needs, such as baby fish or a fragile fish that can't handle undue stress, you need to make a decision.

    • 3

      Decide whether or not to remove your fish for the cleaning. If you do see fish that are particularly stressed or ill, removing them can cause more damage by adding stress to their existing problems. However, having a siphon hose and cleaning tools in the tank, clouding the water, adjusting chemicals and having your hands in there can cause even more stress. These are the times when it may be necessary to remove your fish while the aquarium is being maintained.

    • 4

      Gently remove the fish. Have a minimum of a 5-gallon bucket ready. Siphon your existing water into the bucket until it's three-quarters full and add aeration by using air stones or an air filter. Using a net or large cup for fish with spiny fins, carefully remove the fish and place them into the bucket of water. If you have fish that can jump out, place a loose lid, towel or screen over the top so that you don't lose them.

    • 5

      After your tank is cleaned, make sure your fish are calm enough and your water is clear enough to repeat the process in reverse order and place the fish back into the tank. Turn off any lights on your tank for at least an hour so that the fish can experience a calm atmosphere until they adjust to the changes in their tank.