Option 1: The Sponge
Perhaps the easiest way to clean your fish tank, and our recommended method, is simply getting a sponge and wiping your tank down from the inside. Now pending the size of your aquarium, the inhabitants, and the accessibility, this may not be the best option for you, but for the majority of tanks, a simple sponge will do the trick. Much like cleaning a window, just make sure you work your way around all the edges and don’t miss any spots! You can get fancy and get an algae pad if you want, but most people don’t have that hanging around the house.
Option 2: The Scraper
Better known as a razor blade in your hand or on a stick – there’s also full on scrapers that you can buy. These will make it easier on you if you don’t like getting as wet as with the sponge, and they also will make it easier to get to some harder to reach spots. Make sure you have a plastic blade if your tank is acryllic. Use smooth strokes, just like you are shaving, and work your way around the aquarium just like you would with the sponge.
Option 3: The Magnet
You can buy “cleaning magnets” at your local pet or aquarium store, or online, if you don’t want to get wet at all! Make sure you put the right side of the magnet inside the aquarium (the cleaning side) and then work your way around your aquarium. This will be a little more difficult to get all the way down to the bottom, especially if you have sand or gravel, but it’ll do the trick for the main parts of the tank.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cleaning Your Fish Tank
NO! Please leave the water in, otherwise you’ll have to start all over again with your system. Make sure to clean with your water and fish in your tank.
