Should You Remove the Fish from an Aquarium During a Cleaning?

Aquaculture and fish keeping are ancient practices that continue to evolve through observation, research, and advice. Traditional methods of cleaning tanks and ponds used to call for taking fish out and placing them in a temporary habitat while cleaning out or changing the water. However, seasoned aquarists no longer recommend this. Cleaning tanks can be done without bothering fish too much. As for water changes, it’s better to apply the rolling method of 10 to 15 percent each week, which doesn’t require removing fish or invertebrates. Expert fish keepers often reduce the frequency of cleaning and water changes through actions that improve the efficiency and health of the ecosystem. The staff at Aquatic Warehouse, a leading provider of fish tank supplies, explain whether you need to remove the fish from your tank when cleaning it.

Reducing Aquarium Stress

When fish are introduced to a properly established tank, they become part of the ecosystem and will learn to get along with all other species, which include invertebrates, plants, plankton, and bacteria. The health of the ecosystem will reflect on the health and wellbeing of fish, and this extends to their stress levels. As you can imagine, swimming away and hiding from nets and being extracted from a habitat isn’t an enjoyable experience. Not to mention it can also result in injuries. You should keep aquarium stress levels low, which includes keeping fish in the tank as much as possible.

Cleaning Around Fish

Avoid removing species and objects from your aquarium when cleaning. The best strategy is to stick to a weekly schedule that includes a water change. For example, with a 30-gallon tank, you should change four or five gallons of water. If you use a siphon vacuum for the substrate and decorations, insert it slowly and allow fish to get out of the way, which they’ll do rather quickly, and let them stay on the opposite side of the tank.

Cleaning Algae-Ridden Tanks

It’s advisable to do numerous small cleanings rather than taking everything out and using bleach, etc. If for some reason the aquarium has been neglected and becomes dirty to the point of looking green and murky, you’ll have to do a deeper cleaning, and you’ll have to do multiple cleanings at that.

How to Reduce Cleaning and Water Changes

A planted tank with species such as Ottocinclus, Cory catfish, shrimp, crabs, and snails can go a long way in terms of reducing maintenance. The plants will keep algae bloom in check because they consume nutrients that algae species crave. Shrimp, snails, and bottom-dwelling fish will also feed on algae and plant detritus that settles on the substrate. With the right diversity of species, a tank can host a healthier ecosystem that won’t require very frequent cleaning or water maintenance.

It’s important to keep your aquarium clean so your fish and plants remain healthy for many years to come. Whether you need a new freshwater aquarium to replace an old one or the supplies necessary to maintain your current tank, Aquatic Warehouse can provide everything you require. If you have any questions about how to properly care for your tank, please give us a call today at 858-467-9297.