How To Maintain A Fish Tank

Figuring out how to maintain a fish tank often proves to be more work than you initially anticipated, but proper fish tank maintenance can keep your fish healthy, happy, and a pleasure to have in your home.

Things Needed to Maintain a Fish Tank:

• Filtration System and Filter replacements
• Fish net
• Window Cleaner
• Fish Food
• Siphon

How to Maintain a Fish Tank:

1. When maintaining a fish tank, you will notice the water will become very dirty very quickly, so it is in your best interest to install a filtration system.  The filter will help keep the water clean, but the inside filter will need to be replaced, usually once a month, depending on the type. Keeping the water clean, circulating, and at a proper temperature is vital for proper fish tank maintenance.
2. Once a month you will want to remove the fish from the fish tank and clean it out, replacing the water to maintain a healthy environment.  Have water set in a fish bowl or large bowl overnight and carefully transfer your fish from the tank to that bowl. It is important to prepare the water in advance, so the fish are not shocked as you remove them and plop them into a strange bowl.
3. Using either the fish net or long-handled utensil, stir the rocks in the bottom of the tank to loosen up fish waste and food, and anything else that may be down there.  While maintaining a fish tank, you will notice that food, fish waste, and gunk builds up along the rocks at the bottom and can actually become rotten. By loosening this gunk up before and while removing the dirty water, you can better maintain their fish tank and keep their fish happier and healthier for a lot longer.
4. Using a siphon, remove the water from the tank directly into the sink, if possible, or into a large bucket for easy disposal. Many siphons are simple gadgets that require little more than properly positioning the end hose into the bucket or sink, then gently pumping the main siphon end in the fish tank water three or four times to create suction. Once this has started, the water will flow out until either the water is gone, suction is lost, or you deliberately stop it.
5. Maintaining a fish tank can also involve removing algae so, if necessary, wipe the insides of the tank with an algae scrubber sponge. If your tank houses a fish or creature that consumes the algae from the sides, this may rarely be necessary. Take care when removing these types of creatures from the tank when you replace the water, as they can stick to the walls of the tank or hide inside castles or other "homes" you have inside for decorations.
6. Replace the water and filter insert, and allow the water to filter for a little while before returning the fish to the fish tank.  It is best to check the temperature and make sure it is not too warm or too cold compared to the water the fish are in, before returning them to the tank. If you can, allow the water to settle and be filtered with the electric filtration system for an hour or so before returning the fish. This will help bring the water to room temperature and prepare it for the fish to return to the fish tank.
7. To minimize waste and help prevent a dirty fish tank, only feed your fish what they will eat at one time, and feed them daily.  Also, occasionally wipe the outside of the fish tank with window cleaner to keep it nice to look at, and turn the lamp off at night so the fish can sleep.