Finding Nemo: Tips for Keeping Your Tank Clean, Clear, and Happy
If finding your fishy friends has become a challenge, it's time to take a closer look at tank cleaning and everyday upkeep for our aquatic companions. Many aquarium enthusiasts dread scrubbing down the tank. However, with a proper cleaning routine, it's easy to keep fresh or saltwater tanks well maintained.
Consider these tips for a healthy, happy tank.
Prioritizing Cleanliness
The value of keeping a clean aquatic environment cannot be understated. Algae build up and improper pH levels are just a few of the impacts a dirty tank can have on your aquarium. Fish, snails, shrimp, and other aquatic animals are highly sensitive to environmental changes. Unlike in the wild, aquarium animals are constrained in their movements. If their environment is murky, there's no swimming away!
Keep your fish happy by ensuring their home sparkling.
Tips for Tidying Up
You don't need to be the Marie Kondo of aquarium owners to maintain cleanliness. Implementing a few simple tips streamlines the routine.
1.) Start Up Right, Save Stress Later
Investing in the appropriate sized tank and filter is a must. Make sure you do your research beforehand. A good rule of thumb is that a 10-gallon tank can house roughly 3-5 fish of less than 3 inches in length. From there, you'll want to go up by increments of ten when it comes to building an aquatic paradise.
Don't skimp on the filter! A sturdy filter can save on daily maintenance and keep your fish thriving between cleaning.
2.) Fishy Foodie
Feeding your fish the appropriate amount of food is not only excellent for their health, but a good way to manage waste.
If you notice an accumulation of algae despite efforts to maintain an adequate feeding schedule, consider adding a helper to your tank! Snails and plecostomus are great at cleaning up the grime.
3.) Change the Water
This may seem like an obvious one, but many owners do not change the tank's water regularly. Depending on the size of your tank, it's a good idea to switch it up every 2-4 weeks.
4.) Don't Neglect the Details
Scrape the glass, clean fishy castles and props, trim and replace plants, and vacuum gravel to ensure you're catching every piece of debris. It's helpful to spot clean weekly and plan a deep clean each time you change the water out.
5.) Shiny It Up
Don't forget to polish up the outside of the tank! A clean tank allows you to view and enjoy your aquarium habitat.
Looking for more great aquarium tips? Chat with our experts and check out Solutions to Common Water Quality Concerns.