Buy Air Pumps & Air Stones for Fish in Saint Petersburg

A healthy fish tank 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 expertise to answer your questions regarding aquarium maintenance and help you pick the best products to make the job a breeze.

Anybody can keep a clean and healthy aquarium. It's not a hard job, but it does call for routine focus and the right products. There are daily and weekly jobs in addition to the critical job of tank cleaning with partial water modifications.

Every day, after you feed your fish, remove uneaten food after about five minutes. Also, examine 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, consider equipment such as lights and filters to see that everything is functioning correctly.

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

Follow these steps in your regular 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 accumulates there. If you properly regulate 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, wash them in the water you removed and quickly reinstall} them to avoid losing important microorganisms. Filters that contain carbon and other absorbers will need to be regularly replaced.

Add the replacement water.

Clean your tank's exterior with an appropriate cleaner and towel.

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