List of items for cleaning your Goldfish Aquarium

Here’s what you will need for cleaning your aquarium:

ALGAE SCRAPER/PAD
There are several kinds of aquarium algae scrapers available in aquarium supplies or fish shops. There are long-handled scrapers and even magnetic scrapers to clean unwanted algae inside of the fish tanks. Others preferred to use a flannel or soft cotton cloth for it will not scratched the aquarium glass. A magnetic aquarium scrubber is also one of the favorites to use because it scrubs the entire inside surface of your aquarium without getting your arms wet.  It also makes cleaning quick and easy, keeping your aquarium spotless. For stubborn dirt and residue on the glass, use a razor blade to scrape it off. If you have an acrylic fish tank, utilize a plastic razor blade to avoid scratches.

BLEACH
A big no-no in aquarium maintenance is the use of soaps or detergents in cleaning the fish tank as well as its equipment, ornaments and accessories. Prepare a 10% bleach solution to soak your aquarium paraphernalia and leave them there for 15 minutes. Scrub the remaining residue off, rinse with running water and let it dry to eliminate residual bleach.

If you use live plants in your aquarium, soak the plants in a 5% bleach solution for two to three minutes. Make sure that they are rinsed well before putting them back in your aquarium.

BUCKET
Buy a new bucket which will be used solely during your aquarium cleaning session. Other buckets which you have already used may contain residual detergent or harmful chemicals which can contaminate your aquarium water.

WATER SIPHON
There are various types of siphons available in the market. Water siphons clean the gravel by vacuuming debris from your tank. This can also be used to transfer water from bucket to your tank.

LIME REMOVER/GLASS CLEANER
Clean also the outside portion of the fish tank as well as the hood, light and tank top. Do not use ammonia-based cleaners as they may harm your fish. You can use vinegar or alcohol to clean your aquarium or buy specifically-made aquarium cleaners from your local fish or pet store.

FILTER MEDIA
Clean or better yet replace the filter media to be sure that your filtration system will work efficiently. But, do not clean your filter on the same day you clean your aquarium. Wait at least two weeks for you will significantly disturb the aquarium’s balance. Filter media containing carbon, ammonia absorbers or ion-exchange resins should be replaced if it’s more than three weeks old. Clean also the filter tubing and other parts of the filter system.

FILTER BRUSH
Clean also the filter tubing and other parts of the filter system. A filter brush which you can get from your fish or pet store can help clear out the build-up sludge in all small crevices.

OLD BATH AND PAPER TOWELS
Use clean towels to wipe excess water and other cleaning products before returning back your aquarium’s equipment and accessories. This will prevent any type of accidental contamination.