While getting an aquarium and setting it up is a major feat, the real challenge lies in looking after it and ensuring regular maintenance. By maintaining your aquarium, you will also ensure the longevity of your fishes and other aquatic life. You just need 30 minutes in a week to keep your aquarium up and running. Failing to do so can put all your efforts in vain and even affect aquatic life. With proper care, you will achieve a balanced and stable tank, which is also good to look at. In fact, regular maintenance will also help reduce damage costs in the long run.

Follow these steps to take care of your new aquarium and increase its longevity –

1.     Clean the Tank Once Every Week

By cleaning the tank, you are providing a hygienic environment for your fish to thrive, which also helps them live longer. One of the main reasons behind the early death of fishes in home aquariums is poor hygiene and lack of cleaning. Start by changing the water in the tank. The fishes and other aquatic life within the tank excrete and release waste products in the water, which can create a toxic environment after a while. You should replace the stale water with a fresh refill once every week. To make the process easier, use a siphon to vacuum stale water out of the aquarium. This process will also remove excreted products, food particles, and other waste products that are deposited at the bottom.

Replace old water with fresh and chlorine-free water. If you do not have access to filtered water, keep the water in an aerated bucket for at least 24 hours for the chlorine to escape. You can also add a water conditioner as an alternative.

2.     Clean the Filters

Your aquarium’s filters must be cleaned once every month. However, if your aquarium is heavily populated or densely stocked, you may need to clean the filter once every two weeks. Failing to do so can contaminate the water, eventually leading to your fishes’ death. Start by checking and changing the filter inserts. Check the number of media that is still present inside the filter. This will include elements and materials similar to activated carbon.

While servicing the filter on a regular basis is important, you must change it once every month for the best results. Do not touch the inner part during cleaning. Using soap, bleach, disinfectants, and other chemical agents are also strictly prohibited as it can destroy the filter and kill the useful bacteria that provide a symbiotic environment for your fish to thrive.  

3.     Get Low Maintenance Plants

Most beginners worry about including plants in their aquarium as maintaining them can be a major hassle. However, you can buy easy-to-care aquarium plants that are apt for beginners as they demand low maintenance. If the plant can survive without the injection of carbon dioxide and fertilization, you can buy them without giving it a second thought. Some of these low maintenance plants include Java Moss, Baby Tears, Java Fern, Cryptocoryne Lutea, Marimo Moss Ball, Micro Amazon Sword, and Anubias Barteri. These plants are easy to grow, thrive harmoniously with fishes, and enhance the look of your aquarium.

4.     Check the Chemical Levels

The normal pH level of your water should be between 6.5 to 8.2; anything above or below this range will need you to change the water and clean the tank. Even though a slight change is acceptable, it is better to be safe than sorry. If the pH level is shockingly low or high, change the water immediately. Next, check the levels of ammonia, chlorine, and chloramine. As mentioned, tap water contains chlorine, which can be harmful to fishes. If you notice a high amount of chlorine or chloramine, add a water conditioner to neutralize it. 

Fishes release ammonia from their gills, which can spread nitrogen across the tank. In the presence of good bacteria, this nitrogen will be converted into nitrite. You must change the water if you mark high concentrations of nitrate, nitrite, carbonates, or bicarbonates.

5.     Inspect Lighting and Tubing

Lastly, check the tubing, lighting, skimmers, airstones, and other internal connections. The expiration date of aquarium supplies such as food treats and decorative elements must also be checked. Replace expired test kits as well.

Pay attention to these factors and follow them with scrutiny to achieve a clean and pleasant aquarium. It will not only increase the lifespan of your fish but also keep your aquarium up and running for years to come. Keep a daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning schedule.