A healthy fish tank means healthy and happy fish. Paws Inn Pet Essentials in Waconia, MN has all the tools and the devices to keep that tank in great shape. Our team has the experience and expertise to answer your questions concerning fish tank maintenance and help you pick the best items to make the job a breeze.
Anyone can maintain a clean and healthy fish tank. It's not a difficult job, but it does require routine attention and the best supplies. There are daily and weekly tasks along with the critical job of tank cleaning with partial water adjustments.
Each day, after you feed your fish, remove uneaten food after about 5 minutes. Also, check your fish to ensure they are healthy and are acting normally. Lastly, it's important to check the water temperature. Each week, check the pH, nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia levels. If it's a saltwater tank, check the salinity. Also, take a look at equipment such as lights and filters to see that everything is functioning correctly.
How often should you clean the tank? How much of the water do you need to change? It depends on the dimension of the tank, the number of fish, and whether it's saltwater. Generally, you need to swap out 10-20% of the water every one to three weeks.
Follow these steps in your routine cleaning:
Prepare replacement water. If you use tap water, use a water filter to remove toxic substances. For saltwater, you'll need special reverse osmosis/deionized water.
Unplug electrical components & remove large accessories.
Siphon water into a container. Siphon along the gravel to remove the waste that builds up there. If you effectively regulate the flow with your thumb or a built-in regulator, waste will be sucked out and gravel will fall back into the tank.
Remove algae. Use an algae-cleaning tool to help.
Clean your filter. For filters such as a sponge, ceramic rings, and fiber, wash them in the water you removed and quickly reinstall} them to avoid losing essential bacteria. Filters that contain carbon and other absorbers will need to be frequently replaced.
Add the replacement water.
Clean your tank's exterior with a proper cleaner and towel.
As you can see, the right devices and products are vital. Fortunately, Paws Inn Pet Essentials in Waconia, MN understands what's required and is your one-stop-shop for all your tank maintenance needs. Call (612) 806-1854 or stop by our store today!