Buy Water Pumps & Powerheads 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 team has the experience and knowledge to answer your questions regarding fish tank maintenance and help you pick the right products to make the job a breeze.

Anybody can maintain a clean and healthy aquarium. It's not a tough job, but it does need routine attention and the best supplies. There are daily and weekly tasks along with the essential job of tank cleaning with partial water modifications.

Each day, after you feed your fish, remove uneaten food after about five minutes. Also, examine your fish to ensure they are healthy and are acting normally. Lastly, it's important to check the water temperature. Every 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 properly.

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

Follow these steps in your normal cleaning:

Prepare replacement water. If you use tap water, use a water filter to remove 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 control the flow 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 tool 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 prevent losing crucial bacteria. Filters that contain carbon and other absorbers will need to be regularly replaced.

Add the replacement water.

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

As you can see, the best devices and products are crucial. Thankfully, 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!