How Often Should You Clean Your Fish Tank?

Your fish don't want to live in a dirty environment any more than you do. That's why it's crucial to properly clean their aquarium and give them a delightful home to swim in. So, how often should you clean your fish tank? Continue reading to find the answer.

Why Do Fish Tanks Need To Be Cleaned

Many new fish owners may feel that they can be hands-off when maintaining their pet's environment. While it may be true that you don't need to take them on walks or throw a ball with them, fish need and deserve proper care, too.

A clean tank not only looks gorgeous, but it is also vital for your fish's happiness and well-being. If you don't clean the tank, contaminants like nitrates, ammonia, and metabolites will build up inside the aquarium over time, which can lead to significant health effects. Symptoms of a dirty environment include reduced hunger, discoloration, little to no energy, and a compromised immune system.

How Often Should You Clean Them

The best approach to keeping your tank clean is to do a small amount of cleaning each day. That will also save you the trouble of undertaking a more thorough cleaning, which is inconvenient and potentially unsafe for your fish.

If you start to notice signs of contamination, such as sluggishness in your fish or a visibly dirty tank, you should clean it immediately. If you have a big, complex tank, you should clean it monthly or bi-weekly. There's no one-size-fits-all rule as to how often you should clean each type of tank, but if you stay on top of things, you should be good.

Water Changes Are Crucial

You also need to include water changes in your tank maintenance, but the frequency can vary depending on the size of your tank and the number of fish it holds. You will need to change the water in smaller, heavily stocked aquariums more often than larger but lightly stocked ones.

A decent rule of thumb is to replace 10 to 15 percent of the water every week. If your tank is overstocked, increase the percentage to 25 percent each week. A minimally filled aquarium could last two to four weeks without water changes, but this should be the absolute limit.

Understanding how often you should clean your fish tank helps you keep your pets cheerful and healthy. Fish Tanks Direct can help you give your pets the best home possible with a hexagon fish tank stand to display your lovely hexagon aquarium. Feel free to contact us with any questions about our products.