Steps in Cleaning up the Aquarium

Despite some aquarium stores selling the fish with all that is needed included, they generally advise you to transfer to the fish tank and recommend regular twenty to twenty five volume of water change.

Despite some aquarium stores selling the fish with all that is needed included, they generally advise you to transfer to the fish tank and recommend regular twenty to twenty five volume of water change. However there are times when the aquarium needs an overhaul cleaning. This involves disassembling everything and putting them back after thorough cleaning as part of the aquarium maintenance. The overhaul involves changing the water, cleaning the aquarium, checking on the fish and the plants and checking the functioning of all the aquarium accessories such as the aquarium filters, aquarium pumps and the aquarium heaters.

The first step in cleaning of the fish tank is to transfer the fish to a holding tank which could be the one used as quarantine tank. To avoid upsetting the conditions that the fish are used to, you should make sure that the holding tank is similar to the actual aquarium. This eliminates stress on the fish and the need for them to adjust which might affect their well being. You can use the aquarium heaters and the aquarium chillers to achieve the right temperatures depending on the type of aquarium you have.

The second phase involves the removal of the water from the fish tank. This could involve emptying the water using a bucket or pail, or using the aquarium pumps to inject the water through the outlets. In the aquarium maintenance, it is recommended that all the aquarium accessories such as the aquarium pumps and aquarium filters in the fish tank or those that are in contact with the aquarium water be handled with delicate care. This is because some might be harboring numerous bacteria that are harmful to the human being or are essential for the cycle of all the flora and fauna in the fish tank. So it is recommended to transfer the aquarium water together with the fish to the holding tank as you do your aquarium maintenance.

The rest of the aquarium accessories such as the aquarium pumps can be removed out in pieces and thoroughly washed with soap. A wet sponge can be used to clean the glass without leaving any soap residue as part of the aquarium maintenance. To be on the safe side the aquarium should be left to dry for thirty minutes after the aquarium maintenance. After drying, put the fish tank together starting with the aquarium filters and the aquarium pumps, followed by loading of the rocks, gravel and plants. After the aquarium pumps are set pour bottled water in the fish tank. the remaining water together with the fish in the holding tank are then ready to be poured back to fill the tank after making sure it is clean and free of floating impurities and debris.

The last step is reintroducing the fish back to the aquarium; it is advisable that this be the last step when all has been set. But before that you must make sure that the temperatures are right to avoid stressing the fish and the aquarium pumps are working. Then slowly let the fish swim into the fish tank as you complete you aquarium maintenance. Major aquarium maintenance should be done at least two to three months.

About the Author

Otis Maddox Fisher is the author of this article on Reverse Osmosis. Find more information on Aquarium Filters here.