When To Clean

[DebraAustin]

Hi,

I have a new tank 10 gal, finished with fishless cycle with two dwarf sunset platys in it. I was wondering how often you need to clean a tank? I will be adding a couple more fish this week and then two more the next if everything stays stable (to max my limit I'm trying to get little guys). Do you do a cleaning when the nitrates get high enough for a water change or do you just do a regularly scheduled cleaning every so often? By cleaning I mean vacuuming the gravel, washing the large rocks, etc., as opposed to just dipping out some water.

Debra

 

[bogwood]

I clean the glass, trim plants and checkover the tank generally once a week - the same time as doing the water change... once the tank is established and has found its 'balance', I find there is little need for cleaning rocks, wood etc... my Bristlenose Plec keeps those items clean...

 

[Ami]

Hi Debra

Tis best to have a weekly cleaning shedule to keep on top of things. Your tank isn't too big so should be easy enough.

Aim for a 10% water change and gravel vac each week, then on alternate weeks deal with your plants and any algae problems that arise.

This will keep your levels low and should keep your water toxin free.

 

[dthoffsett]

I change 25% of my water and hoover the sand every Monday. IMO rocks look better with a layer of algae on them and a lot of fish will pick at the algae. I used to just scrape it off the glass, but now my pleco has my tank spotless. Also, by washing your rocks, you lose some of your bacteria. With my HOB filters, I rinse the filters in dirty water every two weeks. And I try to alternate changing the filters so I don't cause a mini cycle. When your filter cartridge starts to stay gunky even after you have rinsed it in the dirty water, you should add a new cartridge along side the old one in your filter for a week or so before throwing away the old one. About once a month I also clean the whole filter. I float the filter cartridge in the tank and then scrub the filter out. (With only clean water.) It kind of sounds like a lot of work when you write it down. But once you get into a routine, it's a breeze. Hope I helped. And if I confused you let me know and I'll try to clarify.

 

[dwarfgourami]

I do a 25% water change once a week, vacuuming the gravel lightly, regardless of nitrates (but more frequently if there is a problem, or for my cories when the weather is hot as they are prone to bacterial infections). Only scrub rocks if the algae gets really bad, same with scraping glass (don't have a plec). Bit of plant trimming during the weekly water change if needed. Change filter floss every week (mine are Juwel tanks), but only rinse out sponges very lightly in tank water once a month (not both sponges in same week). Haven't changed sponges in 10 months.

 

[DebraAustin]

Thanks to you all. I thought it would probably be a once a week thing, but wanted to check and make sure. Was concerned about vacuuming too often because of the bateria and not wanting to upset the water quality. Now I just need to figure out which day of the week is going to work the best and set up my schedule. My tank has been amazingly stable since I put my two fish in just over a week ago. I'm sure glad I tried the fishless cycle. If I ever get any more tanks I will do the same, even though it is hard to wait to add them little fishies.

Debra

 

[cujoho78]

Hi. I generally do a water change and vacuum once a week or once every two weeks and do a good thorough clean of the rocks etc. once a month. The water changes and the gravel vacuuming are the inportant jobs that must be done frequently. The rest is more a personal taste type situation as you might have guessed from reading some of the other posts.