Shop Fish Tank Cleaning and Maintenance for Fish in Saint Petersburg

A healthy aquarium means healthy and happy fish. Animal House Pet Center in Saint Petersburg, FL has all the tools and the devices to keep that tank in great shape. Our staff has the experience and knowledge to answer your questions about aquarium upkeep and help you choose the best items to make the job a breeze.

Anybody can keep a tidy and healthy aquarium. It's not a challenging job, but it does need regular focus and the right supplies. There are daily and weekly jobs in addition to the critical job of tank cleaning with partial water modifications.

Each day, after you feed your fish, remove uneaten food after about 5 minutes. Also, inspect your fish to ensure they are healthy and are behaving normally. Lastly, it's important to check the water temperature. Each week, check the pH, nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia levels. If it's a saltwater tank, check the salinity. Also, check out equipment such as lights and filters to see that everything is working correctly.

How frequently should you clean the tank? How much of the water do you need to change? It depends on the dimension of the tank, the variety of fish, and whether it's saltwater. Typically, you need to swap out 10-20% of the water every one to three weeks. 

Follow these steps in your routine cleaning:

Prepare replacement water. If you use tap water, use a water filter to eliminate toxic substances. For saltwater, you'll need special reverse osmosis/deionized water.

Unplug electrical components & remove large accessories.

Siphon water into a container. Siphon along the gravel to remove the waste that builds up there. If you properly manage the circulation with your thumb or a built-in regulator, waste will be sucked out and gravel will fall back into the tank.

Remove algae. Use an algae-cleaning device to help.

Clean your filter. For filters such as a sponge, ceramic rings, and fiber, rinse them in the water you removed and quickly reinstall} them to prevent losing essential germs. Filters that contain carbon and other absorbers will need to be regularly replaced.

Add the replacement water.

Clean your tank's outside with a proper cleaner and towel.

As you can see, the best devices and products are essential. Luckily, Animal House Pet Center in Saint Petersburg, FL understands what's needed and is your one-stop-shop for all your tank maintenance needs. Call (727) 328-0503 or stop by our store today!