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The Daily Insight

What can I put in my fish tank to keep it clean?

Author

Robert Guerrero

Updated on March 19, 2026

12 Creative Hacks to Keep Your Fish Tank Clean
  • Buy an Aquarium Water Testing Kit.
  • Change Your Tank Water Every 2 Weeks Rather Than Monthly.
  • Use an 'Aquarium Cleaning Pump Kit' While Performing Water Changes.
  • Make A DIY Water Exchange System.
  • Make (or Buy) A Magnetic Algae Scrubber Tool.
  • Plant Hornwort in Your Fish Tank.
  • Clean Your Tank Decorations with A Bleach Solution.

Likewise, what can I do to keep my fish tank clean?

Ways to Keep Your Aquarium Clean

  1. Use a Proper Filter. The best way to keep an aquarium clean is with a proper filter for the tank's type and size.
  2. Change the Water Regularly. As water gets dirty it is less attractive and can be unhealthy for your fish.
  3. Feed Fish Correctly.
  4. Welcome an Algae Eater.
  5. Take Time to Clean the Tank.
  6. Clean the Outside of the Tank.

Secondly, what can I clean the inside of a fish tank with? Use an algae pad or scraper to clean the glass thoroughly on the inside of the tank. There are many types of pads and scrapers out there that you can get. For instance, if you have a larger tank, you may want to get an algae scraper with a long handle to make it easier to reach inside.

Also question is, what is the best thing to put on the bottom of a fish tank?

Gravel is the better choice for most freshwater aquariums. One of the major benefits of gravel is that it allows water to flow through it, preventing the buildup of amoebas and bacteria in the substrate. If allowed to build up for too long, these can sicken your fish and lead to an accumulation of aquarium mold.

What will eat fish poop?

Just in case you were wondering, there is no such thing as 'fish poop eaters' know to the hobby. In other words, there is no species of fish that will eat poop from your sand, even the so-called cleaner crew like cories, and bristlenose plecos. Shrimp and snails will also not eat fish waste.

Related Question Answers

How do I make my fish tank water crystal clear?

How to get crystal clear aquarium water
  1. Filtration. Filtration is the most fundamental way that we keep aquarium water clear.
  2. Chemical filtration. Chemical filtration works by absorbing or adsorbing things from the water.
  3. Bacteria. Some strains of bacteria can also be added to aquarium water to help to clear it.
  4. Fish.
  5. Food.
  6. Water changes.
  7. Flocculants.
  8. Light.

Should I remove fish when cleaning tank?

Should I ever remove my fish? Unless you have a very small tank or bowl, you do not need to remove your fish while you're doing water changes. Fish do not like being disturbed and removing them can cause stress. If you absolutely have to, keep them in the same water as their aquarium.

Why does my fish tank get dirty so quickly?

If your tank is too small, the fish will be stressed and the tank will get dirty much faster. Your tank should not be overly large, however, or the fish will be uncomfortable and it will be much more space to keep clean. Some species of fish will also nibble algae and help keep the tank clean.

How often should a fish tank be cleaned?

If you have a large, well established tank you should clean your tank on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. A water change should be done to the keep the tank clean and the fish happy. Depending on the type of filter you use for the tank, you may be able to get away with cleaning the tank once per month.

Why is fish tank cloudy?

The cause is usually due to bacterial bloom. As the new aquarium goes through the initial break-in cycle, it is not unusual for the water to become cloudy or at least a little hazy. Decaying plants or excess food that remains uneaten can also cause the milky water seen in bacterial bloom.

How can I clear my aquarium water naturally?

Add activated carbon media to the filter, whether loose or carbon pads. Adding activated carbon media or activated carbon pads to the filter will help clear the water and adsorb nutrients that feed the bacteria bloom.

What should you not put in a fish tank?

Shells and corals add calcium to the tank and this is not needed in freshwater tanks. Basically anything that will cause chemical changes in the water should not be put in. Seashells, amongst other items, can change the PH hardness which will cause difficulties for your fish and it'll be harder to maintain the tank.

How long does tap water take to be safe for fish?

remove chlorine from the tap water before adding to the pond or tank. Chlorine is in drinking water to make it safe, but it's highly toxic to fish: leave the tap water standing in a clean container for at least 24 hours before use.

Do fish like decorations?

Decorations create the atmosphere your fish live in and you look at. Second, though more important, decorating the tank will make the fish more comfortable. Most fish are well aware that they are prey animals, and as such will be stressed and uncomfortable if they feel exposed and vulnerable.

Can I put ice cubes in fish tank?

Avoid putting ice cubes directly into your aquarium unless you make them with reverse osmosis or dechlorinated water. Perform small partial water changes with slightly cooler water, making sure not to drop the temperature of your aquarium too rapidly. Turn your heater down, but not off.

Where should a fish tank be placed in a home?

Vastu Shastra suggests keeping the fish aquarium in your living room only. Avoid keeping the same at any other places in the house. Also, ensure that the fish aquarium is located in the North or East direction only.

Are bare bottom tanks better?

In a bare-bottom tank there is no substrate, so beneficial bacteria will not be stored there, for some aquarium keepers this fact poses a problem as bacteria will likely store itself in the filter. For some fish hobbyists, it is considered impossible to keep good water quality with a bare-bottom tank.

Do guppies prefer sand or gravel?

If comfort is something that you deem to be a priority, but you don't want the tank to look bare, then sand can be a great option as it is softer, looks good and is easier to clean than gravel. Do I need a filter? A filter is not compulsory as guppies don't produce as much waste as other fish such as goldfish do.

Do you have to wait 24 hours to put fish in tank?

Bacteria are your friends, and they're a fish's friend too! Helpful bacteria do all sorts of things in an aquarium-like combat ammonia build-up and recycle waste products. Even with these tricks to speed it up, you should give your tank at least 24 hours to start building up bacteria before adding fish.

Will tea tree oil hurt fish?

Tea Tree Oil can be used with even the most sensitive of fish and has been successfully used with Discus. Tea Tree Oil is completely aquarium safe and will not harm anything in your aquarium.

Can you use vinegar to clean a fish tank?

?Vinegar can be used to clean your tank, filter, heater and all decorations using a 1:1 vinegar/water solution. All items can be left to soak for several hours. Once the items are finished soaking, be sure to rinse everything off really well. Now your aquarium and equipment are ready for use.

What happens if you clean a fish tank with soap?

Do not use any soap when cleaning a fish tank, as even traces of soap can be deadly for fish. If the algae won't come off by scrubbing, bring a pot of water to a boil, turn off the heat, and then place the items in the hot water for 20 minutes.

How do you clean gravel in a fish tank without a vacuum?

Stir up the gravel with your hand, working around the live plants. Thoroughly mix up the gravel so detritus trapped between the stones is suspended in the water. Next, dip out one-third to one-half of the silty water left in the tank. The remaining water contains the healthy bacteria needed to repopulate your tank.