How to Clean an Acrylic Fish Tank

Acrylic fish tanks require routine cleaning to keep the water clean, the fish healthy and algae growth at bay. The acrylic tank should be wiped down at the same time the water and filters are treated or cleaned or if algae begins growing. A tank should be sanitized or deep cleaned if it has been stored and not used for longer than a month or if you are changing the water type.

Things You'll Need

  • Acrylic-safe algae scrubber
  • Soft cloths
  • Acrylic polish
  • Bleach
  • Towel
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Instructions

  1. Routine Cleaning

    • 1

      Wipe down the inside sides of the aquarium with a water-dampened acrylic-safe algae scrubber. If you do not have a one, a clean, soft cloth or rag can be dampened and used in place of the scrubber.

    • 2

      Dampen a cloth with an quarter-sized drop of acrylic polish. Rub the polish into the outside panels of the acrylic fish tank until all sides are coated with a thin layer of the polish.

    • 3

      Allow the polish to dry. This take approximately 5 to 10 minutes.

    • 4

      Use a dry soft cloth to buff the polish from the sides of the fish tank in a circular motion. Continue buffing until all residue is removed.

    Deep Cleaning and Sterilization

    • 5

      Fill a 10-gallon acrylic tank up with warm water and 1/4 gallon of household bleach. For a 20-gallon tank, use 1/2 gallon of bleach.

    • 6

      Dip a soft cloth in the mixture and wipe down the outside of the acrylic fish tank.

    • 7

      Allow the mixture to soak in the aquarium for 10 minutes.

    • 8

      Dump the bleach solution out. Rinse the tank in cool water thoroughly to remove all residue and bleach smell.

    • 9

      Dry with a clean towel to prevent water spots.