Are corys hardy fish?

How to maintain a clean fish tank base?

Bottom feeding aquatic creatures are a great way to maintain a clean fish tank base. These include plecos, gobies, loaches, cory catfish, crayfish, shrimps, and snails. Cleaner fish and invertebrates spend hours scouring the substrate in search of an easy meal, which helps rid the tank of leftover fish food.

What is the best algae eater for a fish tank?

Together, these two species can help you keep your tank clean by controlling the growth of algae. The Crossocheilus oblongus, better known as the Siamese Algae Eater, is another popular choice among aquarists looking for a suitable algae eater for their fish tank.

How to maintain a dirt-free aquarium base?

These include stocking the aquarium with ‘cleaner’ fish; using a vacuum to remove debris from the substrate; investing in a power head attachment; not using substrate at all; and not overcrowding the tank. Now that you know the 3 ways to maintain a dirt-free aquarium base, let’s review this topic together.

Do you have to remove fish from tank to clean it?

This is only necessary for a deep clean; generally you can clean your tank without having to remove any fish. Algae Scraper – It is typical to find algae in your fish tank – the water mixed with your living room light is enough to make the plant thrive.

Why is it important to look after your fish tank?

Fish deaths are very common which is one reason why owners should look after their fish tank. It is not only important to clean the tank but to always check the water levels to ensure a safe enough quality for your fish to swim in.

How to clean an aquarium with gravel?

Maximize your efforts by using a siphon to extract aquarium water while “vacuuming” the gravel. This will remove uneaten fish food, fish excrement, and other harmful waste settled at the bottom of the aquarium. When performing aquarium maintenance, test the water parameters of both, the aquarium and replacement water.

How can I Make my Aquarium water more stable?

Get a big tank. This was mentioned already but is worth restating. The water in a larger tank will be more stable and easier to maintain. 10-20% water changes every week or two can be your entire maintenance and this is easily accomplished by using aquarium water on your house plants (see next point).

How do I choose the right filter for my Aquarium?

Over-filter your aquarium. After you’ve researched your fish, shop for your filter. Look at the filter flow rate when shopping; typically, you want a filter that cycles all the water in your tank at least four times per hour, but for low maintenance choose a filter that’s designed for a tank much bigger than yours.

Why do doctors recommend aquariums for their patients?

It is not surprising that some doctors recommend that their patients take care of a fish aquarium when the patient needs a relaxing environment. As aquariums help to feel relaxed, they accelerate the healing of stress-related illnesses.

Should you take stuff out of the fish tank when cleaning?

You should not need to take all the stuff (plants, decorations, etc.) out of the fish tank when you clean it. In fact, I would not recommend it. This just produces extra work for you and creates a large and unnecessary mess. Remember, every surface in the tank will grow some beneficial bacteria that are part of the biological filter.

Do you need to catch fish before cleaning?

There’s no need to catch the fish before cleaning an aquarium because it will only cause undue stress. How long do you let water sit before putting fish in?

Can you use bleach on aquariums?

Never use soap, detergents, or bleach to clean your aquarium, gravel, or decorations. Never use anything that came in contact with soap, detergents, or bleach to clean your aquarium, gravel, or decorations. Instead, sterilize items by washing them with hot water.

What happens if you don’t put gravel in a fish tank?

Without gravel and, therefore, without the bacteria, it will take more work to keep the aquarium clean without the bacteria, the nitrogenous wastes build up more quickly and kill the fish. The bacteria can consume just about any food source. These food sources can include substances that other life forms find poisonous.

How to clean aquarium gravel with bleach?

The basin should be large enough to contain all the aquarium gravel plus the bleach and water solution to cover the gravel completely. Ensure that there’s enough bleach and warm/hot water solution to cover the entirety of the aquarium gravel. Stir the gravel to irritate the cleaning solution.

How do you clean gravel without damaging it?

Continue rinsing the gravel with clean water until the water runs clear. Once clear, the gravel is ready for use. This is gravel that was previously used by someone else and has been given to you. Create a 10% bleach solution in a clean bucket that has not had other cleaning chemicals in it. This is 1 part bleach to 9 parts water.

Can you replace aquarium gravel without removing fish?

Replacing aquarium gravel is an intense and invasive process and requires all fish to be removed from the tank. If at all possible, use an aquarium vacuum or siphon to clean the gravel instead of replacing it. How deep does aquarium gravel need to be?

How to clean an aquarium with bleach?

Start by removing the plants from the aquarium and use a clean toothbrush or an algae pad to expel any tough debris that won’t come off with the rub of your finger. The add two (2) tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water (19 cups of water, for every cup of breach) in a clean bucket and use that to clean your plants.

Can you use bleach to clean plants?

Aside from bleach, maybe you do not have some lying around your home, you can also use white vinegar, potassium permanganate, or hydrogen peroxide to clean live plants. As for fake (plastic) plants and decorations, boiling or using a dishwasher to clean the decor is perfectly Ok.

Can you use bleach to clean gravel?

Avoid using bleach on silk plants and brightly colored gravel or decorations, as it will fade them. Also, avoid wood and other porous items that can soak up and retain the bleach. If the primary cleaning problem is white crusty mineral deposits, don’t even bother hauling out the bleach.

Can you use bleach to clean aquariums?

What to Bleach. You can safely clean most non-porous items in your aquarium with bleach. That includes: Aquarium (either glass or Plexiglas) Non-porous aquarium equipment and parts, such as the filter hoses. Plastic plants (bleach is fantastic for killing off algae on artificial plants)

How long can you go without cleaning aquarium gravel?

This is a good thing for your aquarium’s ecosystem and natural cycle, but when pores get clogged, water flow, and ergo the tank will be affected. If you have a healthy and well-balanced fish tank, you may be able to go for several months without cleaning the gravel.

Can you put fish in a hospital tank with gravel?

Don’t use substrate in a hospital or quarantine tank, as the gravel may trap bacteria that could infect the next fish you put in the tank. You may also want to use a bare-bottomed tank in a nursery tank, as it’s easier to spot fry.

How do you empty a septic tank with gravel?

Once the water level has dropped to around 25 to 30 percent of the water removed, meaning your tank is about 75 percent full, simply turn your gravel vac tube up while still inside the water, Take it from the tank and let it drain out through the tubing.

How do you clean dirt out of gravel?

Rinse the dirty gravel in your sieve with running water or use a hose to do the washing. If you have your gravel in a holding pan, fill it with water and use your hands to move the gravel around. Tip the pan slightly while shielding the gravel with your hand to pour out the dirty water then rinse the gravel.

What happens if you remove all the gravel from a tank?

If you remove all the gravel from your tank at once (especially if you also remove the decorations), you will upset the normal nitrogen cycle in your tank. This upset can cause the ammonia and nitrite levels to increase to dangerous or deadly levels in your aquarium.

Are pebbles or gravel better for aquariums?

Not only does this look ugly, but it also provides a feast for bacteria that produce nitrites, which are toxic to your fish. Also, due to the large gaps, plants have difficulty rooting in a pebble substrate. For beginners, if you want a rocky substrate, I recommend skipping pebbles and using… You can think of gravel as small pea-sized pebbles.