How to Clean a Fish Tank for Beginners? Aquarium Cleaning

The decomposition of plants and other aquatic pets releases toxins into the water. Moreover, fish waste produces ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, which damages water quality and increases pH levels. Regular aquarium cleaning is critical to maintaining a healthy environment for fish and other sea creatures. Negligence in Aquarium cleaning may upset the healthy climate and cause diseases in aquarium critters. 

Here are some tips and guidance you can follow to keep your Aquarium healthy and clean:

How often should your fish tank need cleaning 

Aquarium size, number of fish, and filtering equipment grade are the three essential aspects that determine the overall cycle of Aquarium cleaning. Generally, it's better to do a partial Aquarium cleaning (replacing about 25% of the water) after a week or two. Moreover, a complete aquarium cleaning is required once in two months.

How to perform a partial aquarium cleaning:

Removing Algae, changing 25% of water, and cleaning food leftovers from gravel and substrate are typically included in partial cleaning. Tools involve are  

• Algae scraper
• Syphon tube
• Bucket
• Towel
• Thermometer
• Tap safe or RO water

a. Remove Algae:
Start by removing algae from the Aquarium from an Algae scraper.
b. Change 25% of water.
Once algae are cleaned start partial water change equipment needed in this stage would be a siphon
tube, gravel cleaner, and bucket. Buy a siphon tube with a gravel cleaner attachment, as it will allow you
to remove water and dirt from the substrate (gravel or sand) at the same time.
o Turn off the filters and heaters and start the siphon by sucking on the end of the tube in
the tank.
o, Use the bucket to collect the water as it flows out of the tank and use a gravel vacuum
to clean the substrate simultaneously and remove about 25% of the water from the
tank.
c. Start filter cleaning:
After siphoning the water, open the filter and remove the dirty sponges. Clean them thoroughly to
remove as much dirt as possible, then place them back in the filter.
d. To refill the tank:
o Take the empty bucket to the sink and fill it with cold tap water.
o Mix in some hot water to increase the temperature to the same level as the tank or use
water from the kettle.
o Use a thermometer to check the temperature and add enough water conditioner (such
as Tap safe) to treat the new water.
o Swirl the water around by hand, give it a few seconds, and then pour the freshwater
into the tank.
o Repeat the process until the water in the Aquarium reaches a satisfactory level. Then
turn the heater and filter back on.
With these steps, you can successfully perform a partial water change in your Aquarium.
Note: Do not waste dirty water from Aquarium; instead, use it to water plants, as this water can
act as a natural fertilizer.

How to perform complete aquarium cleaning:

Complete aquarium cleaning is a time-consuming process involving cleaning the Aquarium's complete

water change and cleaning glass, decorations, substrate, and filter.

To perform a complete aquarium cleaning, you can follow these steps:

a. Fish

o An important question is whether to remove the fish and other aquatic pets from the

aquarium or not while performing a complete aquarium cleaning. Well, it is better to

move the fish from the aquarium when performing a full aquarium cleaning as it will

minimize chemical exposure and stress from it. However, if you like you can also

perform complete aquarium clearing while keeping the fish.

▪ Method to completely clean the aquarium while keeping fish

▪ Method to partially clean the aquarium while keeping fish

b. Invertebrates & Coral:

o Snails, shrimp, coral, and crabs are not removed from the Aquarium when performing a

full aquarium cleaning.

c. Plants:

o If you are a beginner, do not remove the aquatic plants from the aquarium during a full

cleaning of the fish tank, as lifting these plants may damage their roots or stems if you pull

these too hard. However, pay special attention to plants surrounding them as waste

accumulates under their stems. Gravel vacuum to thoroughly remove any excess debris

around these plants.

d. Change 100% water:

o Start by turning off the filter and removing all decorations and plants, making cleaning

easier and preventing any damage. Now take a hose or siphon tube and insert it into the

tank to reach the bottom of the tank surface. Now, place a bucket near the tank so that

tank water starts filling the bucket through the tube. Refer to the partial water change

section for a detailed process

o Once all water is drained into the bucket when you have removed the water from

the tank, use a scrubber, sponge, or cloth to clean the inside of the tank, including the

glass and any decorations. Rinse the scrubber, sponge, or cloth thoroughly between

wipes to avoid spreading any dirt or bacteria.

e. Gravel vacuum:

o Use a gravel vacuum to clean the substrate (gravel or sand) at the bottom of the tank.

This will help remove any excess food or waste that has accumulated in the substrate.

f. Clean Filters:

o Clean the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions, replacing any cartridges or

media as needed