Watching fish can be very relaxing, but it’s important that you know how to maintain a fish tank. Proper maintenance of your fish tank will prolong the life of your fish, and increase your enjoyment of the tank. Problems such as fish tank odor and diseases can be avoided when the tank is kept clean. Proper maintenance of your fish tank begins with the set up. The right filtration system can greatly simplify the maintenance requirements.

Maintenance continues with the fish selection. Some fish are dirtier than others are and will require more maintenance, while other fish can actively assist in keeping the tank healthy. Taking the care to properly stabilize and condition the water is necessary for maintaining a healthy, lively tank.

Finally, regular cleaning is necessary to keep the tank clean and the fish happy. Cleaning involves not only changing out the water, but also possibly cleaning all fish tank accessories. Filtration tubes and lines, the interior glass and the entire hood should all be thoroughly cleaned.

Taking the time to properly maintain your fish tank and clean it will increase your enjoyment of the tank. The process will take time, but you will be rewarded with clean, clear water and healthy, vital fish.

The filtration system is key to a clean tank. One choice is under gravel filters. Then there are power filtration systems that hang on the upper rim of the glass. These can be easily cleaned without moving any gravel from the bottom of the tank. These filters are very effective at keeping the tank clean and healthy. They are also compatible with live plants. http://www.suite101.com/reference/advantages_of_under_gravel_filters

Another option is undergravel filters. These take advantage of the fact that most debris, including excess food, will naturally fall to the bottom of the tank. This filtration system uses a corrugated plastic platform under the gravel. The plastic has space under it, and slits in the top of it so that debris can be pulled through the gravel to the bottom of the tank.

Filtration tubes run from the platform to the top of the tank. Bubble stones are placed in the bottom of these tubes. As air moves through the bubble stones and back to the top of the filtration tube, suction is created and the debris is pulled down under the platform.

This system has the added benefit of naturally aerating the water. It also creates an attractive appearance for the tank. To clean under the platform, you can remove all the gravel and lift the platform. Obviously, this would require a great deal of work. These systems also typically have one access tube that is shorter than the others, and capped off.

To clean under the platform, simply remove this cap and place the fish tank vacuum over this access tube. The debris will be pulled up and out. The filtration tubes can also be removed and the area vacuumed through those access areas. Although attractive, these units are not considered to be as efficient at cleaning the tank as power filters. http://www.bestfish.com/ug.html

The fish tank can be helped or hindered by the fish that occupy it. Goldfish, for example, are notorious for being dirty fish. They tend to create a lot of debris, debris that you will then have to clean out. For that reason, goldfish should probably be avoided unless they are being used as feeders for something more interesting.

On the other hand, algae eaters and bottom feeders can prove highly beneficial to your tank. Algae eaters will actively clean algae growth from the glass, gravel and accessories.

Bottom feeders will help to remove debris from the bottom of the tank. These fish are typically good community fish that get along nicely with most other fish. Most importantly, they will help you in your task of maintaining the tank.

Thought should also be given to the choice of accessories. Keep in mind the size of your tank, and type of filtration system. Tanks using top filters should not have greenery placed too close to the filter intake. Plants that are placed too close to the intake can be pulled in and against the intake, hampering its performance.

Under gravel, too many accessories of any kind can hamper filters. Remember, the point of the under gravel filter is to pull the debris down through the gravel, so you don’t want to cover too much of that gravel with decorations. You can also choose animated decorations that utilize bubble stones. These can be entertaining, and can help your tank stay healthy by providing water aeration.

Once a week, you will need to clean the tank. You will need a dedicated fish tank bucket for the clean water, and another large container for dirty water.

Before you begin cleaning the tank, fill the dedicated fish tank bucket with water. This tank should never be used for any type of cleaning, and no chemicals should ever be used in it.http://freshaquarium.about.com/od/fishqa/f/faq0110.htmChemical residues can kill your fish, so take care that this bucket is only used for the water going into the tank. After filling this bucket, drop in some dechlorinator and fish tank salt.

The packages will have exact directions regarding the amount to be used. Dechlorinator will cause dangerous chemicals in the water to evaporate more quickly. The fish tank salt will condition the water for healthier fish. Finally, the water requires time to reach the room temperature so your fish do not go into shock. While the water temperature is adjusting, you can clean the tank.

Check the accessories. If the accessories feel slimy, you should clean them well. Cleaning these items is a simple matter of running fresh water over them and lightly rubbing away the algae. If the accessories don’t feel too bad, you can leave them in place and clean around them.

Use a clean rag to wipe the inside of the glass. The tank lid should be cleaned thoroughly to remove any scum, as well as the power lines and air lines.

Top filters should be removed and cleaned. They can be disassembled to be sure all algae has been removed. The filter media can be rinsed or replaced if needed. Under gravel filters can also be disassembled. The filtration tube, bubble stone, and airline can be removed from the tank. The tubes can be rinsed. To clean the entire tube, slip a paper towel into the tube and then use a knife to move it through from one end to the other. You can also use bottle brushes for cleaning.

The gravel is now ready to vacuum. If you have an under gravel filter, this should be done before the filtration tubes are replaced. Place the vacuum over any of the tube access holes, and allow the vacuum to pull the debris from under the platform. You can also remove the cap for the cleaning tube and place the vacuum there. Move the vacuum slowly around the gravel. You will want to lift the vacuum occasionally so that the gravel will fall back to the bottom. For the safety and comfort of your fish, you should go slowly.

Once you have removed between 10% and 15% of the water, it’s time to stop cleaning. Removing and replacing too much water at once can cause your fish to go into shock and should be done with care. Replace the lost water with the prepared water in the bucket. Finally, replace the cleaned accessories and filter pieces.

It is recommended that you completely change your fish tank water every two to three months. To do this, have a smaller tank ready for your fish. Move the fish, along with some fish tank water, to this other unit. The water can be removed completely using the vacuum. Gravel can be removed and rinsed. Under gravel filters can be lifted and cleaned. The tank should then be re-assembled, using conditioned water. Allow the water time to adjust to a temperature matching the original water before moving the fish back into the tank.