9 Best Ways to Keep your Aquarium Clean and Healthy

As a long-time aquarium enthusiast, I have learned that maintaining a clean and healthy aquatic environment can be challenging. Nevertheless, the beauty and serenity that a thriving aquarium brings makes it all worthwhile.

by Fabian

Updated: April 14, 2023 / 11 mins read

Fabian is the dedicated Chief Editor at Aquarium Nexus. From a young age, he was captivated by the vibrant world of aquatic life, leading him to accumulate over 20 years of experience in keeping and breeding various fish species. The fulfillment derived from the aquarium hobby has remained a constant throughout Fabian's life. As an expert in the field, he finds great pleasure in imparting his extensive knowledge and personal experiences to both seasoned aficionados and budding enthusiasts.

Don’t fret, fellow aquatic aficionados—through years of trial and error, I have discovered nine effective ways to ensure your aquarium remains in top-notch condition. So, why not embark on this underwater adventure with me as we explore the best ways to maintain a pristine aquatic ecosystem?

Choose the Right Filter

Choosing the right filter for your aquarium is essential in maintaining a clean and healthy underwater environment.

Filters come in various types, such as mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration systems. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages.

• Mechanical filters physically remove debris and particles from the water—keeping the tank looking pristine. Canister, sponge, and hang-on-the-back filters are some popular choices.
• Biological filters harbor beneficial bacteria that break down ammonia and nitrites, preventing harmful toxins from building up in the tank. Trickles, moving bed, and sponge filters are some great options.
• Chemical filters use activated carbon or other chemical agents to remove dissolved impurities, ensuring optimum water quality. Carbon filters and zeolite filters are examples of chemical filtration systems.

When selecting a filter, give thoughtful consideration to your aquarium’s size, the type of fish you plan on housing, and your budget. Research and seek advice from seasoned hobbyists to make an informed decision, and soon enough, a crystal-clear aquarium will be yours to enjoy.

Keep Up with Regular Water Changes

One of the most impactful ways to keep your aquarium clean and healthy is through regular water changes. The primary purpose of water changes is to remove excess nutrients, harmful chemicals, and other pollutants that build up in the system.

As a rule of thumb, I replace 25% of my aquarium’s water every two to four weeks. However, the frequency of water changes can vary depending on factors such as the number of fish, plants, and the size of your tank. Smaller tanks may require more frequent changes, while larger tanks might not require as many.

To efficiently change the water, follow these simple steps:

• Unplug all electrical devices, such as heaters and filters, for safety reasons.
• Use a hose or siphon to remove the desired amount of water, simultaneously targeting areas with dirt or debris on the substrate.
• Prepare new water by matching its temperature and pH to the remaining water in the tank.
• Slowly add the new water to avoid stressing out your fish and other inhabitants.

Remember, consistency in water changes will go a long way in maintaining a clean and healthy aquarium your aquatic friends will thrive in.

Don’t Overfeed Your Fish

Overfeeding your fish is a common mistake that can wreak havoc on your aquarium’s overall health. Uneaten food particles rapidly deteriorate, releasing harmful substances into the water that negatively affect its quality. Paying attention to portion sizes and feeding frequency plays a crucial role in maintaining a clean tank.

Here are some helpful tips for feeding your fish responsibly:

• Portion control: Offer only as much food as your fish can consume within two to three minutes. This prevents leftover food from rotting and polluting the water.
• Feed in increments: Instead of feeding your fish large portions at once, try dividing their meals into smaller amounts and distributing them throughout the day. This not only helps maintain water quality but also contributes to better digestion.
• Monitor needs: Assess the needs of the specific species you are keeping, as dietary requirements vary greatly among different fish. Some species graze throughout the day, while others may require several sizable feedings.

Consistently paying attention to your fish’s feeding habits will not only keep your water clean but also contribute to their long-term health and happiness.

Avoid Overstocking Your Tank

Resisting the urge to add more fish to your aquarium than it can handle is crucial for maintaining a clean and healthy aquatic environment. Overstocking leads to increased waste production, stressing out both the fish and the filtration system.

To avoid overstocking, consider the following guidelines:

• Research your fish: Familiarize yourself with the adult size and social behavior of the fish you intend to keep. This knowledge will help you provide adequate space and avoid overcrowding issues.
• Tank size matters: Follow the general rule of “one inch of fish per gallon of water” to determine how many fish your tank can accommodate. Be aware that this rule is oversimplified and may not apply to all species.
• Adjust the number: Larger, territorial, or messy fish require more space and will change the stocking limit for your tank. Make sure to take their specific needs into account and adjust accordingly.

Ensuring your tank isn’t overstocked prevents unnecessary stress on the filtration system, leading to a cleaner, healthier aquarium. Moreover, providing ample living space for your fish contributes to their overall well-being and happiness.

Maintain Proper Water Temperature

Aquarium inhabitants, particularly fish, are sensitive to sudden fluctuations in water temperature, which can cause stress and weaken their immune systems. Maintaining a stable temperature is crucial for ensuring the well-being of your fish and preserving the overall health of your aquarium.

Here are some tips to help you maintain proper water temperature:

• Invest in a reliable heater: Choose an aquarium heater with the appropriate wattage for your tank size. A general recommendation is 3 to 5 watts per gallon.
• Monitor temperature: Keep a thermometer in your aquarium to regularly check the water temperature. Digital thermometers tend to provide the most accurate readings.
• Avoid drastic changes: When performing water changes, make sure the new water is at the same temperature as the old one. This prevents abrupt changes that may stress your fish.

By closely monitoring and maintaining a stable water temperature, you’ll keep your aquatic pets comfortable, healthy, and less susceptible to disease, thereby contributing to a cleaner and more vibrant aquarium.

Clean Your Tank’s Decorations

Aquarium decorations create a visually appealing environment for both the tank’s inhabitants and the people who enjoy watching them. Unfortunately, these embellishments can accumulate algae and other organic matter over time, which can diminish water quality if left unchecked. Cleaning your tank’s decorations is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy aquatic environment.

Here’s how to go about cleaning your aquarium decorations:

• Remove decorations: Carefully remove decorations from the tank during a water change, ensuring you don’t stress the fish or disrupt the tank’s balance.
• Use a gentle cleaning solution: Prepare a cleaning solution using mild dish soap and water. Never use harsh chemicals, as they can harm your fish.
• Scrub gently: Scrub the decorations gently with a soft-bristle brush to remove any built-up algae or debris.
• Rinse thoroughly: Rinse off the decorations with clean water, making sure to remove all traces of soap.
• Return decorations: Put the decorations back in the tank, ideally during the water change process to minimize disturbances and stress.

Regularly cleaning your tank’s decorations not only preserves their vibrant colors but also helps to keep your aquarium looking fresh and healthy for everyone to enjoy.

Use a Gravel Vacuum for Waste Removal

Fish waste, uneaten food, and decaying plant material can collect in the substrate, negatively impacting your aquarium’s water quality. A gravel vacuum is an essential tool for maintaining a clean and healthy aquatic environment, as it effectively removes unwanted waste trapped between the substrate particles.

Here’s how to use a gravel vacuum for waste removal:

• Choose the right size: Pick a gravel vacuum that matches the size of your aquarium. For small tanks, a mini or nano-sized vacuum will suffice, while larger tanks will require a bigger vacuum.
• Prepare: As you would with a regular water change, unplug heaters and filters before using the gravel vacuum.
• Submerge and start: Submerge the vacuum’s siphon end into the water, and suck on the other end to create suction. Alternatively, some vacuums have a pump mechanism to start the siphon.
• Clean the substrate: Insert the siphon end into the substrate, allowing the vacuum to remove the trapped debris. Move the vacuum slowly through the gravel, covering the entire tank bottom.
• Drain the water: While vacuuming the substrate, let the hose drain the water into a bucket, taking care not to remove too much water at once.

By incorporating the use of a gravel vacuum in your regular maintenance routine, you will effectively prevent waste buildup and ensure your aquarium remains a clean and healthy habitat for your aquatic friends.

Quarantine New Fish

Introducing new fish to your established aquarium can inadvertently bring diseases or parasites that can threaten the health of your existing fish population. Quarantining new fish in a separate tank before adding them to your main aquarium offers a safe way of preventing the spread of illnesses and maintaining a clean and healthy environment.

Follow these steps to quarantine new fish:

• Set up a quarantine tank: Prepare a separate tank with similar conditions as your main aquarium. This temporary habitat should have a filter, heater, and some hiding spots to keep the new fish comfortable.
• Acclimate the new fish: Introduce your new fish to the quarantine tank and let them acclimate to their temporary environment. This allows them to recover from the stress of their journey before joining their new tank-mates.
• Observe for illness: Keep an eye on the quarantined fish for any signs of disease or parasites. If you notice anything unusual, treat the new fish accordingly with medications or necessary therapies.
• Wait it out: Let the new fish stay in the quarantine tank for about 2-4 weeks, ensuring they are healthy and disease-free before finally introducing them to your main aquarium.

Following the quarantine period, you can integrate your new fish into the main tank, confident that they pose no threat to the rest of the inhabitants. This precautionary measure is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy aquarium for all its residents.

Algae Control and Prevention

Algae growth is a common problem that can make your aquarium look unappealing and lead to water quality issues. While some algae are beneficial for your tank, excessive algae growth can disrupt the balance of your aquatic environment.

Controlling and preventing algae in your aquarium is vital for maintaining a clean and healthy habitat.

Try these methods to keep algae growth in check:

• Limit lighting: Algae thrive in brightly lit conditions. Keep your aquarium’s light turned on for no more than 8-10 hours a day to hinder excessive algae growth.
• Minimize excess nutrients: Overfeeding your fish and having high levels of nitrates and phosphates stimulate algae growth. Ensuring proper feeding habits and regularly checking water parameters can help minimize nutrient levels.
• Introduce algae eaters: Certain fish and invertebrate species, such as Otocinclus catfish, Amano shrimp, and Nerite snails, are natural algae eaters. Introducing them to your tank can help keep algae populations under control.
• Perform regular maintenance: Regular water changes, cleaning tank decorations, and using a gravel vacuum contribute to reducing algae-promoting nutrients within your aquarium.
• Consider live plants: Live plants not only enhance the appearance of your aquarium but also compete with algae for nutrients, limiting algae growth.

By incorporating these algae control and prevention practices, you’ll maintain a cleaner, healthier, and more visually appealing aquarium for your aquatic friends and yourself to enjoy.

Conclusion

Maintaining a clean and healthy aquarium may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tips and dedication, it is entirely achievable.

By selecting the appropriate filter, keeping up with regular water changes, monitoring feeding habits, stocking your tank responsibly, maintaining stable water temperatures, cleaning decorations, using a gravel vacuum, quarantining new fish, and controlling algae, you are well on your way to creating a vibrant and thriving underwater sanctuary.

Keep these nine best practices in mind, and both you and your aquatic companions will enjoy a clear, clean, and harmonious aquarium for years to come.