There are only a few steps to maintaining your aquarium. Performing these simple tasks on a frequent and regular basis will keep your aquarium sparkling clean, and help keep your fishes healthy and disease free.

You should start by gathering your gravel siphon, bucket, water conditioner, thermometer and towels.

Use the gravel siphon to remove about 20% of the water from your aquarium. Using the siphon move back and forth siphoning the detritus from the bottom of the aquarium. You should do this every 7 to 14 days. There are times when you may have to do these water partials more often such as when over feeding has occured. For more details on using your gravel siphon, Click here

Now is a good time to clean the inside glass of your aquarium. Use an algae pad designed for your aquarium. The wrong type of pad will scratch the aquarium.

Refill your aquarium slowly with fresh dechlorinated water that is the same temperature as your aquarium.

Check and clean filter pads as needed. Replace the filter pads monthly.

Power filters and power heads should be taken apart and cleaned monthly. Undergravel filter air stones should be replaced monthly.