How To Clean a Fish Tank

  • August 11, 2009
  • 5,822 Views
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Keep your fish healthy and your fish tank clean with these simple steps.

You Will Need

  • A large plastic cup
  • A large bowl
  • A scooping net
  • A sink
  • An algae scrubber
  • Clean gravel (optional)
How To Clean a Fish Tank: Step 1

Step 1

Use a large plastic cup to remove water from the tank to a large bowl. Scoop fish from the dirty tank and put them in the bowl.

How To Clean a Fish Tank: Step 2

Step 2

Turn off the filter on your fish tank. Remove half of the dirty water using a cup, and dump it into a sink.

Change about one quarter of the water in the tank every two weeks to keep the algae levels low.

How To Clean a Fish Tank: Step 3

Step 3

Clean the inside of the tank with an algae scrubber. Rinse and scrub until the glass is clean.

How To Clean a Fish Tank: Step 4

Step 4

Scoop out the rest of the water until you get to the gravel at the bottom of the tank.

Replace the gravel only if absolutely necessary. The fish need a stable environment, so some remaining bacteria is good for them.

How To Clean a Fish Tank: Step 5

Step 5

Refill the tank with clean water and restart the filter. Let the filter run for about an hour.

How To Clean a Fish Tank: Step 6

Step 6

Scoop your fish from the bowl to the tank, and let them enjoy their newly cleaned home.

Did you know? Scientists discovered the world’s smallest fish in Indonesia. A member of the carp family, it’s less than eight millimeters long.

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Comments (4)

HeatherM

Great first video, Felix! This is really good!

over 2 years ago by HeatherM

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Armando79

Thank you, I'm glad you like it :)

over 2 years ago by Armando79

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deathmonkey

I don't know - I thought it was a little fishy.

over 2 years ago by deathmonkey

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10009132

you are not supposed to use tap water. Sorry if i upset anybody but im just trying to keep fish safe.

over 2 years ago by 10009132

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