How to Clear Up a Saltwater Fish Tank

Knowing how to clean a saltwater tank is essential to keeping a saltwater species as a pet. Saltwater tanks take different considerations to maintain than freshwater tanks, so knowing how to take care of a freshwater tank, does not necessarily mean you are equipped to take care of a saltwater fish tank. If you have never taken care of a fish tank at all, remember that you have to be diligent and consistent with the cleaning procedures.

Things You'll Need

  • Algae Scrapper
  • Algae Brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Scrape off the sides of the tank with the algae scraper. You should do this two to four times per month to make sure the tank maintain's the cleanest atmosphere for your fish. Algae scraper is on sale at any local pet supply shop.

    • 2

      Clean the plants and accessories in the aquarium. Algae will not just settle on the sides of the tank but also settle on plants, castles and any other small item in the tank. Use the algae scraper to remove this algae as well.

    • 3

      Drain out about 1/5 of the water in the aquarium and replace it with fresh salt water. Salt water sometimes can get too dense and laced with minerals when it is in an aquarium even for a saltwater fish to handle. Replacing the salt water can reduce algae and keep the fish healthier longer.

    • 4

      Clean out the gravel or rock at the bottom of the aquarium. Algae sometimes will settle into the rock where you cannot see. Simply disturb the rocks with an algae brush and the algae will float to the top.