Easy Aquarium Cleaning Guide

Step 1: Gather your gear. Grab a dedicated bucket, algae scraper, gravel vacuum, and aquarium brush to keep chemicals away from your fish. Use Aqua One Algae Scraper 18” and Aqua One Gravel Cleaner 10” for the best results.

Step 2: Turn off equipment. Switch off heaters, filters, and pumps to prevent damage and stress to your fish.

Step 3: Scrub algae and decorations. Use the algae scraper on tank walls and an aquarium brush on décor. Avoid soaps they’re toxic. Try Aqua One Maintenance Kit 5-in-1 for an all-in-one option.

Step 4: Trim live plants. Remove dead leaves and prune overgrown stems to keep your tank healthy.

Step 5: Vacuum gravel and do a partial water change. Use your gravel vacuum to remove debris and about 10–20% of the tank water. Treat new water with Seachem Prime 500ml before refilling.

Step 6: Clean the filter. Rinse sponges and filter media in old tank water to protect beneficial bacteria. Avoid tap water. Use Aqua One Maintenance Kit 5-in-1 for cleaning help.

Step 7: Refill and stabilize. Add treated water slowly to avoid shocking your fish. Check the water temperature to ensure it matches the tank.

Step 8: Turn equipment back on. Plug in heaters, filters, and pumps. Some cloudiness is normal—it will settle quickly.

Step 9: Wipe the glass. Clean the outside using a vinegar-soaked cloth or paper towel. This is safe, streak-free, and chemical-free.

Pro tip: Weekly, do partial water changes, prune plants, and scrub algae. Monthly, clean gravel and filter media to keep your tank healthy and fish happy.