How to Clean the Glass Inside a Fish Tank

You carefully created your dream aquarium, complete with beautiful fish, but don't rest just yet. Regularly cleaning the glass inside your fish tank can greatly improve the appearance of your aquarium, making viewing much more enjoyable. For the safety of your fish, choose appropriate materials for cleaning the inside of aquarium glass. After arming yourself with the proper tools, cleaning the glass inside your fish tank will become a simple task, easily completed each week or anytime you think the aquarium glass could use some sprucing up.

Things You'll Need

  • Algae scraper
  • Paper towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Visit your pet store or fish store to select an algae scraper, which is a soft pad attached to a long handle. Algae scrapers are desirable to use for cleaning because they generally don't leave scratches on glass or acrylic. Avoid using scouring pads designed for household use. They could contain chemicals that may be hazardous to your fish.

    • 2

      Disconnect power to your fish tank and remove the light hood or other covering on top of the tank. Make sure your hands are free of lotion or soap residue before making contact with fish tank water.

    • 3

      Begin cleaning the inside of the aquarium glass with your algae scraper, which may be used to remove any kind of grime or buildup. Apply only gentle pressure as you move the brush from the top of the tank to the bottom. Avoid using soap or any other cleaning substance, as the chemicals can kill the fish. The ASPCA suggests leaving a small area of algae on your aquarium glass for fish to eat.

    • 4

      Use a paper towel to remove any grime or algae that may have collected around the top of the tank or in the corners of your aquarium glass.

    • 5

      Replace the light hood and resume power to the tank.

    • 6

      Rinse the algae scraper under tap water and allow it to air dry.