Cleaning the aquarium is essential to provide a healthy living environment for fish and to preserve their health. Tools such as a gravel vacuum, a blade scraper, a fish net, a sponge, and a cloth are among those useful for accomplishing this task.
Well before the actual maintenance of the aquarium, a few tasks must be carried out.
- The aquarist must remove the fish from the water using two fish nets. To simplify the task, a small net can be used to guide the fish into a larger net.
- It is also essential to empty about 20% of the tank's water.
- It is possible to clean the glass using a sponge or a cloth dedicated to this purpose.
A vacuum is essential for cleaning the water and the bottom of the aquarium.
- It allows for removing fish waste as well as leftover food or possible plant debris polluting the water. It should be moved across the aquarium floor.
- Siphon models, also called cleaning bells, work by siphoning, evacuating water outside. This water must be filtered or replaced.
- Tube-shaped models have a pump and an integrated filter to suck in and clean the water before releasing it back into the tank. The filter must be cleaned after use. Some versions are plugged into a power socket while others are battery operated.
A blade scraper is used for cleaning the glass:
- it is effective in removing dirt and lime deposits from the glass;
- it has the advantage of not scratching the glass;
- replacement blades are available.
Some advice is helpful for cleaning an aquarium:
- it is recommended to check the condition of the glass and clean it weekly;
- cleaning the bottom is also a weekly task;
- water should be replaced weekly, with 20% of the tank's content each time;
- filter cleaning is done once to twice a month with water at the same temperature as the aquarium.
Thus, cleaning an aquarium requires the use of fish nets, a gravel vacuum, and a blade scraper. The cleanliness of the tank is essential due to the decorative purpose of this setup, but also for the good health of the fish.
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