what is the most easiest way to clean a tank?

Question

i have 2 fish tanks, and im tired of pouring the dirty water out , cleaning the pebbles etc. is there another easier way? or some tips?

Answer 1

Even with excellent filtration you need good water changes. Might i reccomend looking out for a python? This excellent tool uses water pressure from your faucet to drain water directly to the sink as well as cleaning the gravel, then refills the tank. Just dont forget to dechlorinate, this time for the entire ammount of the tank. A python is available here http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=19123;category_id=2937


Water changes are the only cleaning a tank needs, though scraping off algae is good. And no matter what snake oil chemical filtration products you buy, you need weekly water changes

Answer 2

The easiest way to solve this problem is to get a power filter. The power filter is fundamental in the success of your aquarium; it's easy to use and easy to clean. The truth: if you have a power filter and maintain it your tank should almost be self-cleaning.

However, you must clean the filter often, meaning you should change the cartridges every three to four weeks. The cartridges are usually disposable, which means a no-hassle clean. Also, the cartridges are filled with carbon that remove impurities, odors, and discoloration. You'll know when to change the cartridges when the water flow from the filter has slowed down.

If cartridges are left in too long, the tank will start to look like a sewer, so a siphon and bucket may come in handy.

The process is simple:
First, insert the siphon head into the tank.
Suck lightly on the hose end and drain the outcoming water into the bucket. Or if your siphon has a pump, squeeze it.
Comb the siphon head over the rocks. Also, stir up the rocks to get any waste that has settled to the bottom. Should any gravel get stuck in the siphon head, lightly tap it against the glass and gravity will do the rest.
Drain enough water to remove the waste.
Replace the water and then replace the cartridges.
The filter also serves as an oxygen source because it sends a stream of water back into the tank. The pressurized stream creates excellent water flow throughout the entire tank that helps circulate and clean the water more effeciently.

Algae Growth
You can practically avoid algae growth with one easy step: buy a Plecostomus or algae eater. They are some of the ugliest fish, but they do a very good job of cleaning algae off of the glass, plants, and the rocks. As an added bonus, the Plecostomus does seem to have a lot of personality.

Also, it is common to want to put your aquarium in a sunny place so that the fish get some sunlight. However, when the aquarium is exposed to the sun, algae thrives. If you have a Plecostomus, the tank should be well maintained because he will have plenty of food, but if you don't have an algae eater, you personally will have to clean the tank more often.

For hands-on algae removal, you'll need an algae scraper. Your pet store should have plenty of choices, which consist of everything from magnetic scrapers that don't get your hands wet, to slightly abrasive sponges that require you to get soaked from the elbows down. Your pet store should also have an algae fighting liquid that can be poured right in the water.

Cloudy Water
This could be the result of a few things. First, only feed three to four times daily (or the recommended daily amount for your specific type of fish), as overfeeding will leave the water cloudy and cause the fish to produce more waste. As a rule of thumb, feed your fish only the amount of food that they can consume within a 3 to 5 minute period.

Sometimes the only way to fix this problem is to replace all of the water. However, if you maintain healthy feeding habits and the water is still cloudy, it might be the water you are putting in the tank. Try using bottled drinking or distilled water. The cost shouldn't be an issue, for a gallon runs around 50 to 70 cents.

Smells
What is that stench? Simple. It's ammonia, or fish piss. Your fish are essentially living in their own toilet; therefore, to keep it stench free make sure you replace the filter cartridges at least every three to four weeks. The carbon in the cartridge will neutralize the smell because, ideally, the aquarium should be smell free.

See, it's simple to keep your aquarium clean. To sum it up, the easiest, hassle-free way is to use a power filter, maintain it, and buy an algae eater. Your tank budget shouldn't even be an issue. Cartridges for the filter usually come in packs that should last about three months and are under ten bucks. Any other product you buy- the algae scraper, bucket, siphon- should last for years, as should your fish.

Keeping your fish happy and healthy is the main issue. If you follow these steps to keep your tank clean, you probably won't get frustrated and end up throwing your fish in the bushes. Happy cleaning!

Answer 3

First off, never take your fish out of the tank to clean, and never take out more than 1/2 of the water. A syphon is used to drain the water out and clean dirt from the gravel. Gotta have one! Another must is a power filter, which can be found pretty cheap. A decent filter will make tank maintence much easier. Another item that is useful is a scrubber for the sides of your tank. It will remove aelge and scum. Scavenger fish can not be depended on for tank cleaning, in fact they need their own special food. Flake food often clouds up water too- try pellets or a great food by Tetra called Tropical Pro Crisps. They don't break up or sink,plus fish love'em. If you have a power filter and change the cartridge monthly, remove no more than 50% of the water a month, and feed sparingly you will have a sparkeling tank.

Answer 4

The to keeping a tank clean is in the initial setup. No gravel or other substrate, and a powehead on the bottom to keep debris off the bottom. Get a power filter double the rating for the tank, use a plain hose to siphon the bottom, just avoid siphoning up fish.

If you've ever seen a breeding setup, all the tanks are like that. Ease of maintenance, a very clean tank. All my breeding tanks are like that.

Answer 5

you should only be doing weekly water changes of 25% or so. If your tanks are getting really dirty within a week, something is wrong. If they are in direct sunlight, that might contribute to green algae. You might be overfeeding if there is a lot of debris in the tank.

An easy way to empty water out and clean the debris from the pebbles is to use one of those siphons.

Also, you need to scrub a little bit, it's just part of the hobby. good luck and enjoy your fish!

Answer 6

Get something called a Python. Walmart is even selling them now at half the price I paid for it years ago from aquarium supply shop. It connects to a faucet and uses water pressure to draw water out of the tank. Then you turn the valve and let clean water flow from the faucet to the tank. You just have to watch your water temp and not fry or freeze the little fishies. Practice makes perfect and you will learn how to suction up the fish poop and gunk from the gravel with this handy little device.

They also make several different connective pieces to make sure it fits even the weirdest and oldest faucets.

Answer 7

do you have carp? ummm...poo eaters. if you have carp you should only have to clean your fish tanks once every 2 mos. Oh and there is this tablet you can put in that won't hurt your fish but help keep it clean, I can't remember what it is called but you can get it at walmart.

Answer 8

buy fish wool.it goes in the filter to keep it cleaner 4 longer.

Answer 9

gravity or electric tank vacumes are nice, they cut the cleaning process in half and are really not exspensive.

Answer 10

Sorry, unless you have excellent filtration you are goig to have to keep cleaning.