How to Clean a Small Fish Tank with Filter?

Keep your small fish tank clean with these simple steps! Learn how to clean your tank with a filter to keep your fish healthy and happy.

Keeping your small fish tank clean and maintaining a healthy environment for your aquatic pets is essential for their wellbeing. A small fish tank with a filter is an effective way to keep the water clean and clear, but it also requires regular cleaning to ensure it functions optimally. Here are some steps on how to clean a small fish tank with a filter.

Turn off the Filter

Before you begin cleaning your small fish tank, turn off the filter to avoid any mishaps or damage to the equipment. You can do this by unplugging it or turning off the power supply.

Remove Decorations and Plants

Remove any decorations, plants, or accessories from the tank, and place them in a separate container with water to avoid damaging the plants or ornaments during cleaning.

Remove Water

Use a siphon or a small pump to remove 20-30% of the water from the tank. This will help to remove any debris or waste that has accumulated in the gravel or substrate.

Clean the Gravel

Using a small aquarium gravel vacuum, clean the gravel or substrate in the tank. This will help to remove any debris or uneaten food that has accumulated on the bottom of the tank. Move the gravel vacuum in a back-and-forth motion across the surface of the substrate, being careful not to disturb the plants or any other decorations.

Clean the Filter

Take out the filter and disassemble it. Clean the filter media, including the sponge or cartridges, in a bucket of the tank water you just removed. Avoid using tap water or any cleaning agents as this can harm the beneficial bacteria in the filter. Reassemble the filter once it is clean.

Clean the Tank

Using a clean aquarium scraper or sponge, clean the inside walls of the tank to remove any algae or debris. Avoid using any cleaning agents as they can harm the fish or damage the tank’s finish.

Refill the Tank

Fill the tank with fresh, dechlorinated water that is at the same temperature as the water in the tank. Add a water conditioner to neutralize any harmful chemicals or toxins that may be present in the tap water.

Reinstall the Filter

Reinstall the filter and turn it back on. Give it a few minutes to start running before you add the plants and decorations back into the tank.

Add Fish Back

Finally, add your fish back into the clean tank, and monitor their behavior and health for the next few days to ensure they are adjusting well to the newly cleaned environment.

In conclusion, regular cleaning of a small fish tank with a filter is essential for maintaining a healthy environment for your aquatic pets. Follow these steps to ensure your tank stays clean and your fish stay healthy.