Daily Aquarium Maintenance

Daily tasks must be done if you want to maintain a clean and health aquarium. First thing is the temperature of the tank. The temperature should be monitored on a daily basis and it should stay consistent. Different fish require different temperatures so you should always have fish of a similar variety like tropical fish which require a temperature of around 77 degrees or there about. You should check daily for sick or diseased/dead fish. If you have any sick fish they should be removed immediately before they pass on any problems they may have. They should be quarantined in a tank on there own until you can find out the problem. If the temperature of your fish tank is too high, this can promote the growth of algae so checking the temperature is very important. Other daily checks should include checking that pumps and filters are functioning correctly.

Weekly Cleaning Routine

Also to keep the aquarium healthy weekly maintenance routines are essential. First job should be to check the surface of the substance you use on the bottom of the tank and remove any debris or waste. An easy way to do this is with a siphon tube. Any water removed while performing this task must be replaced to maintain the water level in the tank. The aquarium water balance should be tested weekly and chemicals including chlorine should be added to keep the balance correct. Tests to be carried out should include testing for nitrate and ammonia levels and the ph balance of the water. Any live plants you may have in your fish tank should also be tended too weekly. Do not let them take over the tank and cut them back if needed, and remove any discoloured or dead leaves. If the plans are growing re-anchor new sprouts into the gravel. Snails are another thing to watch out for and can be removed by floating a lettuce leaf on the surface of the water. Lettuce leaves will attract the snails and you can then remove them with a net.

Monthly Cleaning Routine

A few more steps on a monthly basis will ensure your aquarium is kept in a clean and healthy state. The aquarium water should be partially changed every month. Siphon off about 25% of the water from the tank with a hose. High levels of ammonia and chlorine are detrimental to your fish so the chemical balance should be checked after changing the water. Cleaning the filter and changing the filter cartridge should be carried out monthly, however you should not clean the filter too thoroughly because you would also kill all the healthy bacteria which aids in stabilizing the aquarium chemical balance. Another monthly task is to scrape off and remove any algae from the surface of the tank. If there is too much algae forming you can always use and algae eater by adding it too the water. If you use a light you should limit its use and monitor the water temperature. The light is a heat source and if the temperature rises it will promote the production of algae in the aquarium. Another way that can support too much algae growth is if the tank is situated in direct sunlight. If this is the case then it maybe best to remove the tank to another location.

Following a daily, weekly and monthly maintenance system in place will ensure your aquarium and more importantly your fish are kept in a clean and healthy state. Aquarium maintenance is essential for ensuring your fish are healthy and happy. If you want to be proud of your aquarium make sure your perform your maintenance tasks correctly and on a regular basis.