How to Maintain a 10-Gallon Aquarium

Maintaining a freshwater fish tank is an acquired skill. Many beginners start with a 10-gallon tank to learn the basics of maintaining a tank. Smaller tanks need more frequent water changes to maintain water conditions. Some beginner fish are danios, barbs and tetras. These can be housed in a 10-gallon tank. Typically goldfish are sold to beginner aquarists but are not ideal as they are often poorly kept and carry diseases.

Things You'll Need

  • Fish food
  • Water testing kit
  • Gravel siphon
  • Algae scraper
  • Fish net
  • Large bucket
  • Water conditioner
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Instructions

  1. Daily Maintenance

    • 1

      Feed the fish daily as needed depending one the type of fish you are housing.

    • 2

      Check the temperature of the water to make sure it is adequate. This should be between 77 and 83 degrees Fahrenheit for most fish.

    • 3

      Remove any floating debris such as broken off leaves of plants (if keeping them in your tank), excess food and all other debris.

    Weekly Maintenance

    • 4

      Use an algae scraper to remove algae film growing on the glass. If you have an acrylic tank, make sure you use an algae scraper specifically made for acrylic tanks to prevent scratches. Brush the leaves of any live plants lightly to remove algae. Fake plants can be removed from the tank and rinsed.

    • 5

      Change the water and clean the gravel using a water siphon weekly. A siphon is used by placing the suction end into the water and moving the tube back and forth rapidly so the water moves through the tube and into a bucket. Remove about 15 to 25 percent of the water. Replace the water you remove with fresh tap water. Add water conditioner which removes ammonia, chlorine and other chemicals from tap water, making it suitable for fish.

    • 6

      Perform a water test checking the levels of ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, pH and other important factors. The tests come in test strips or with test tubes and solutions and are read using result charts. Optimum levels for a freshwater tank should be zero parts per million (ppm) for ammonia and nitrite and 20 to 40ppm of nitrate.

    • 7

      Check the filter for proper function. Replace the filter media if necessary which is usually needed monthly.

    • 8

      Examine your fish during water changes to check for any signs of illness such as lesions, loss of scale slime and irregular movement.