How To Clean A Fish Tank Without Killing The Fish

How often do you clean your fish tank? If you don’t, then you might want to check out these tips below!

Your aquarium should be cleaned regularly to ensure that your fish remain healthy, as well as happy.

In addition, cleaning your aquarium helps to remove algae buildup and other contaminants that can harm your fish.

Aquarium maintenance is important because it keeps your fish safe and healthy.

The good news is that it’s easier than you think.

All you need is some basic supplies and a little knowledge.

Below you will find out all you need to know when it comes to cleaning out your fish and making sure they do not die in the process.

So, to help you to stop worrying, here is how to do it properly.

How To Clean A Fish Tank Without Killing The Fish

These simple tips will help you to clean your fish tank easily:

Step 1: Remove Your Fish From Their Home

The first step in cleaning your fish tank is to remove them from their home.

This means removing all decorations, plants, gravel, sand, or anything else that may have been placed inside the tank.

You also want to make sure there are no food items left for the fish to eat.

The safest way to remove fish from a tank is by scooping one fish up at a time with a net, and then placing your hand over the net so they do not wriggle free.

Place the fish into a container full of water. 

Step 2: Wash Your Fish Tank

After you’ve removed everything from the tank – that includes the water – wash it with warm water and soap.

Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub the sides and bottom of the tank.

Make sure to get into every nook and cranny so that you’re able to thoroughly clean the entire tank.

Step 3: Rinse And Repeat

Once you’ve finished washing the tank, rinse it again using fresh, cool water.

After rinsing, let the water drain completely before refilling the tank.

Step 4: Add Water Conditioner

To help keep your tank free from harmful bacteria and algae, add one drop of water conditioner per gallon of water.

Be careful not to over-do this though, as too much will cause your tank to smell like a swimming pool.

Step 5: Check For Algae

If you notice any greenish or brown patches on your tank walls, they could indicate an issue with algae growth.

Try adding more water conditioner if necessary.

Step 6: Change Filters

Fish tanks usually come with two filters.

One filter is designed to catch large debris while the second filter removes smaller particles such as hair and dust.

It’s recommended that you change both filters once a month.

Step 7: Feed Your Fish

Fish require different types of foods depending on what type of fish they are.

For example, goldfish need live brine shrimp, while guppies prefer frozen blood worms.

You can find information about feeding your fish online or by talking to someone who has experience caring for fish.

Step 8: Keep An Eye Out For Signs Of Disease

It’s important to monitor your fish closely after cleaning the tank.

Watch for signs of disease such as redness around the eyes or fins, loss of appetite, lethargy, lack of movement or even death.

If you see any of these symptoms, it’s time to call a professional.

Why Can A Change In Water Kill Fish?

Whilst you can take your fish out of the tank to clean it, rarely the changes in water can result in death for fish.

This can be due to an alteration in water chemistry and the temperature of the aquarium. 

The water changes can also destroy the already established cycle that is healthy for the fish, which may add stress and toxicity. 

Acclimatization is key, so do not inflict your fish with a sudden change.

Even though there is a small risk that it might damage your fish, regular water changing is extremely vital.

You cannot and should not subject your fish to bad water quality, and you can’t take a chance on their life.

So, be mindful of four basic things: acclimatization, water changes, temperature, and pH.

So Should You Change The Water When It Comes To Fish?

You shouldn’t change water too often because it might kill the fish, but you should do it regularly to avoid dangerous toxins accumulating in the water.

The toxicity that the human eye cannot see will only be removed by adding fresh water, otherwise it will build up and cause more harm to your fish.

The toxins that buildup are poisonous to fish and will slowly affect them over time.

They will not kill your fish straight away, but will do eventually.

It will reduce the immunity of your fish, and ultimately kill them.

Because fish have to get rid of their own waste, it has to go somewhere.

This means it becomes accumulated on the bottom of the tank.

When you feed your fish, if they do not eat all the food quickly, the leftovers will soon join the secretions at the bottom.

Fish are meant to only be fed the amount of food they can consume within 5 minutes, so it is wise to be really mindful of this.

That is because their food does not float, and will add to the toxins in the tank. 

How Often Should You Clean A Fish Tank?

Every freshwater tank is a little different in terms of water chemistry, inhabitant populations, and owners’ habits.

As a result it is impossible to create an effective aquarium cleaning schedule that applies to every aquarium.

Generally, you will want to keep an eye on the fish tank and perhaps clean it every one to two weeks.

A regular cleaning schedule is important because the amount of water you may need to replace all depends on how many fish you have in your tank.

As you are aware, your water needs to be changed regularly if you want to keep your fish healthy.

You shouldn’t need to do a full tank change every month if you’re maintaining your aquarium properly.

As long as you’re taking care of the filtration system, you won’t have any problems with ammonia or nitrite levels.

Fish need clean water to breathe, eat and breed.

A dirty tank means fish waste gets into the water and makes it cloudy.

This causes a lot of problems for the fish. 

Final Words

Fish can be tricky, despite how easy some people might think that they are to look after.

Whilst cleaning them might be an ordeal – and daunting – over time it will become second nature if you stick to some simple steps.

Whilst they can suffer from ‘water shock’, even though it is rare, it is always better to make sure your fish are happily living in a clean tank rather than an aquarium that may be slowly poisoning them over time.