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Cleaning Your Fish Tank  by: Mark Haakonsen One of the nicest additions to any home is a fish tank. A fish tank creates a colourful, relaxing ambience and they come in a huge range of sizes to suit virtually any setting. However, fish tanks do require work, and without proper care, algae build ups and murky water can change your tank aesthetically and cause unpleasant odours. Cleaning your fish tank not only helps with the appearance of the tank but can also prolong the life of your fish, as no person or pet can live in an unhealthy environment. There are a few basic precautions that should be followed to keep your fish tank clean and to dramatically reduce algae build ups. The goal is to avoid algae build up in the first place, as this is easier than removing algae later. The first step is to get yourself a good carbon based filter, and be sure to change the cartridges often, this will keep the water nice and clean so your precious Nemo will be happier and healthier. You should also purchase a living filter for your fish tank, a Plecostomus or algae eater constantly eats algae off rocks and the glass. While the Plecostomus are not always the prettiest fish, their benefits far outweigh their looks. The last precaution you can take is to NOT place your fish tank in direct sunlight, algae thrives on sunlight and will grow rapidly given the chance. Every couple of months you should replace the water in your tank to ensure cleanliness. After the water is removed you have to remove all of the rocks, artificial plants and decorations (such as the old fashioned divers), and give them a thorough clean. Use diluted bleach to clean these objects as all traces can be removed. Avoid using soap, as traces of the soap can be left on the objects and may harm your fish. To clean the glass in the tank only use proper fish tank glass cleaner which you can purchase from any pet store, as conventional glass cleaner contains substances lethal to fish. Even when you have to clean surfaces outside of the tank such as the hood, you should still avoid the use of any harsh chemical cleaner, as traces can leach there way back into the water. That is all you need for a clean and healthy home for your fish. If ongoing problems occur, make sure you consult your local pet store. http://www.pethandbook.com About The Author Mark Haakonsen We hope you enjoyed this article. For more great articles on pets and pet care, please visit us at Pet Handbook http://www.pethandbook.com. This article was posted on November 26, 2005 Read More Articles from the "Pets and Animals" Category: Dog Training With A Training Collar Or Choke Collar by Waylon Harvey Aromatherapy For Man’s Faithful Friend - Dog by Sharon Hopkins The Pros and Cons of Owning a Persian Cat by Bridgitte Williams Toy Dog Breeds: The Top Ten Dogs Of This Group by Mike Mathews Choosing a Dog Breed: Which Breed of Dog is Right for You? by Valerie Goettsch Bird Cages – A Home For Your Feathered Friends by John Gibb Bringing A New Pup Home by Javier Fuller How to Prevent and Stop your Dog from Digging up the Lawn by Oscar Uzoma How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight by Emma Snow So You Want A Career In Dog Training by James Lee << Back to "Pets And Animals" Index

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