* Disturbing the eggs: Cleaning can involve moving decorations, gravel, or even the water, which can dislodge the eggs or expose them to harmful conditions.
* Introducing chemicals: Many fish tank cleaners contain chemicals that could be harmful to the eggs.
* Stress on the parents: The cleaning process can be stressful for the parents, especially if they are guarding the eggs. This stress could lead them to abandon the eggs.
* Reduced oxygen: Cleaning can disturb the water flow and oxygen levels, potentially harming the developing eggs.
What to do instead:
* Wait until the eggs hatch: The safest option is to wait until the eggs hatch and the fry are free-swimming.
* Partial water changes: You can perform partial water changes (removing and replacing a small portion of the water) to maintain water quality without disturbing the eggs. Be careful not to disturb the eggs or the parents.
* Use a siphon: A siphon can be used to remove debris from the bottom of the tank without disrupting the eggs.
Important considerations:
* Fish species: Some fish species are more sensitive than others to cleaning while eggs are present. Research your specific fish species to see what's best.
* Egg location: If the eggs are in a very specific location, like a breeding box, it might be possible to clean the rest of the tank without disturbing them.
Ultimately, it's best to avoid cleaning the tank while there are eggs present unless absolutely necessary and then only with extreme caution.