Keeping fish as pets is a fun and relaxing hobby for many people. However, owning an aquarium comes with the responsibility of properly maintaining the fish tank. An important part of fish tank maintenance is regular cleaning to provide a healthy environment for your fish. While cleaning the tank is essential, it’s also crucial to use the right cleaning products and avoid chemicals that could harm your fish. When cleaning a fish tank, there are some cleaners and solutions you should not use. Knowing what to avoid can help keep your tank inhabitants happy and healthy.
Why Regular Cleaning is Necessary
Cleaning and water changes are vital for any fish tank for several reasons:
- Removes fish waste – Fish produce waste in the form of ammonia, which is toxic. A buildup of ammonia can poison and ultimately kill fish. Doing regular water changes removes this waste before it reaches dangerous levels.
- Eliminates uneaten food – Decaying, uneaten food pollutes the water. Proper tank maintenance gets rid of rotting food particles.
- Clears away algae – Algae growth can quickly get out of control. Cleaning keeps algae from taking over the tank.
- Replaces old water – Over time, the chemicals and properties of water in a tank will change. Replacing some old water with new, fresh water helps reset tank conditions.
- Prevents disease – Waste and rotting food provide areas for disease-causing bacteria and fungi to grow. Cleaning eliminates these problem spots before they can infect fish.
By performing weekly partial water changes and scrubbing down tank surfaces, you remove pollutants and keep water conditions optimal. But it’s critical to use the right tools and solutions when cleaning a fish tank.
Household Cleaners to Avoid
Many common household cleaners and chemicals should never be used to clean aquariums. These products contain ingredients that are harmful or even fatal to freshwater and saltwater fish. Here are some cleaners to avoid using on your fish tank:
Bleach
Bleach is a powerful disinfectant found in many homes. But it should never come in contact with your aquarium. Bleach is highly toxic to fish and contains chlorine, which destroys the beneficial bacteria that biological filters rely on. Even small amounts of bleach in a fish tank can rapidly kill inhabitants.
Hand Soap
While hand soap might seem gentle, it’s actually quite dangerous for aquariums. Hand soaps often contain fragrances, dyes, and antibacterial ingredients that are poisonous for fish. The sudsy nature of soap can also decrease oxygen levels. Never use hand soap to scrub decor or clean tank walls.
Dish Soap
It’s tempting to use a convenient dish soap to scrub away algae and residue inside a fish tank. However, the degreasing agents found in dish soaps will strip away protective mucus on fish skin and scales. The fragrances and chemicals will rapidly poison fish as well.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Cleaners designed for toilets are much too harsh to be used around fish. Toilet bowl cleaners frequently contain hydrochloric acid, which will alter pH and water chemistry. These cleaners can also introduce toxic metals to the tank that are dangerous for fish.
Vinegar
Plain white vinegar is sometimes recommended online as a natural way to clean aquarium decorations and gravel. However, vinegar is acidic and can burn fish gills and skin. It will also alter pH dramatically in the tank if used in any significant quantity.
Window Cleaner
Window cleaners typically contain ammonia, alcohols, and other chemicals unsafe for aquarium life. Some fish, like goldfish, are especially sensitive to chemicals like ammonia. Window cleaner residue can be immediately fatal if introduced into the tank.
Scented Candles
Never place a lit scented candle near an aquarium. The fragrances and chemical compounds released into the air can be toxic if absorbed into the tank water. Secondhand smoke from scented candles should also be prevented from reaching the fish tank.
Safe Fish Tank Cleaning Alternatives
There are plenty of fish-safe products and natural solutions you can use to effectively clean your aquarium instead. Here are some safe alternatives:
Water
Plain dechlorinated water is the best way to rinse aquarium gravel, decorations, and tank walls during routine cleanings. Use room temperature dechlorinated water to avoid shocking fish with sudden temperature changes.
White Vinegar and Water Solution
While vinegar alone is too harsh, a diluted vinegar solution of one part white vinegar to 20 parts water can be used to wipe away tough lime and calcium buildup on aquarium fixtures and ornaments. Rinse thoroughly with dechlorinated water when finished.
Hydrogen Peroxide
As an antibacterial treatment, a diluted 1-3% hydrogen peroxide solution can be briefly used in small amounts to clean aquatic plants and decorations outside of the main tank. Rinse off thoroughly with dechlorinated water after soaking.
Aquarium Salt
Kosher salt or sodium chloride salts designed for aquarium use can be used to scrub algae off of rocks and tank walls. Rinse off completely after scrubbing. Use sparingly in freshwater tanks.
Lemon Juice
The acidity in lemon juice allows it to dissolve mineral deposits and residue on tank surfaces and ornaments. Use a small amount of juice diluted in water. Rinse thoroughly after soaking items in the solution. Avoid using in saltwater tanks.
Baking Soda
As a gentle abrasive, baking soda can be combined with water into a paste to scrub away algae in freshwater tanks. Rinse fully with dechlorinated water when finished scrubbing.
Aquarium Sponge and Algae Pad
For scrubbing tank walls or decorations inside the tank, use an algae scrubbing pad or aquarium sponge designed for aquarium use. Soft pads won’t harm fish or scratch acrylic tanks.
Tips for Safely Cleaning Your Fish Tank
Follow these tips when it’s time to do maintenance on your freshwater or saltwater fish tank:
- Unplug aquarium equipment like lights and filters before cleaning.
- Remove fish and sensitive invertebrates like corals to a quarantine tank if doing a deep clean.
- Use soft microfiber cloths, sponges, or scrub pads instead of abrasive scrub brushes.
- Never use soaps, chemicals, or cleaning solutions not designed for aquarium use.
- Always thoroughly rinse any decorations, gravel, and tank surfaces cleaned outside of the main tank.
- Dispose of scrub pads or sponges when done to avoid transferring bacteria and algae back into the tank.
- Check water parameters like pH after cleaning to ensure they remain stable.
By using dechlorinated water, aquarium-safe salts and acids, and gentle scrub pads, you can keep your fish tank sparkling without endangering your fish. Avoiding household cleaners is the key to safe aquarium maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Windex to clean the outside of my fish tank?
No, you should not use Windex or other glass cleaners to clean the outside of a fish tank. Chemical residue can leach through silicone seals and harm inhabitants. Use only water or vinegar solutions.
What about using rubbing alcohol to disinfect tank decorations?
While isopropyl alcohol can disinfect, it is also toxic to fish. Avoid using it inside a tank or on items that will go back into the aquarium after cleaning. Rinse disinfected items thoroughly.
Is Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner safe for cleaning a fish tank?
No, cleaners formulated for bathrooms like Scrubbing Bubbles are much too harsh for use in an aquarium. Stick to plain water or bleach-free, fish-safe cleaning solutions.
Can I use antibacterial hand soap to wash my hands before working on the fish tank?
Antibacterial soap residues could harm your fish. Rinse hands thoroughly after using hand soap and avoid letting soap contact the tank. Or, wash hands with plain water before doing aquarium maintenance.
Is it safe to use toothpaste or baking soda and vinegar to clean aquarium decorations?
No, avoid toothpaste, vinegar-baking soda solutions, and any cleaners that fizz or bubble. Only use aquarium-safe products on anything going into your tank. Rinse decor thoroughly before returning items to the tank.
Conclusion
Cleaning your fish tank doesn’t require harsh chemicals or antibacterial cleansers. With some dechlorinated water, gentle scrubbing, and fish-safe cleaning solutions, you can remove algae, waste, and residue without putting your fish at risk. Always avoid household cleaners and instead use diluted vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, aquarium salts, lemon juice, and baking soda for scrubbing needs. With the proper cleaning routine and products, you can maintain a healthy, balanced aquarium environment. Checking parameters like pH and only introducing pre-rinsed decor back into the tank are also key. By steering clear of chemicals like bleach and ammonia, your fish and corals will stay safe during tank maintenance.