The answer is: it depends. Some fish can stay in the tank while you clean it, but others may need to be temporarily relocated to a separate container. This article will explain the factors that determine whether you should leave your fish in the tank or not, and how to clean your tank properly without stressing your fish.
Why You Should Leave Fish in the Tank When Cleaning
There are several reasons why you should leave your fish in the tank when cleaning, if possible. First of all, moving your fish to a different container can cause them stress and shock, which can weaken their immune system and make them more susceptible to diseases. Secondly, moving your fish can disrupt the balance of the water chemistry and the beneficial bacteria in the filter, which can lead to ammonia spikes and other water quality issues. Thirdly, moving your fish can increase the risk of injury or escape, especially if you use a net or a siphon to catch them.
Therefore, if your fish are healthy, calm, and not easily spooked, you can leave them in the tank while you clean it. However, you should avoid disturbing them too much and limit the amount of water you change to no more than 25% at a time. You should also use a gravel vacuum to remove any debris and waste from the substrate, and a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub the glass and decorations. You should avoid using any harsh chemicals or soap, as they can harm your fish and the beneficial bacteria.
Why You Should Remove Fish from the Tank When Cleaning
There are some situations where you should remove your fish from the tank when cleaning, for their own safety and comfort. For example, if your fish are sick, injured, or aggressive, you may need to isolate them in a quarantine tank or a hospital tank, where you can treat them with medication and monitor their condition. If your fish are very sensitive, shy, or nervous, you may need to move them to a temporary container, where they can feel more secure and less stressed. If your tank is very dirty, overcrowded, or overgrown with algae, you may need to do a deep cleaning, where you change more than 50% of the water and remove most of the decorations and plants.
In these cases, you should prepare a suitable container for your fish, with clean, dechlorinated water that matches the temperature, pH, and hardness of the tank water. You should also add some aquarium salt, stress coat, and beneficial bacteria to the container to help your fish cope with the transition. You should use a gentle method to catch your fish, such as a cup or a plastic bag, and avoid exposing them to air or temperature changes. You should keep the container in a dark, quiet, and secure place, and cover it with a lid or a cloth to prevent your fish from jumping out.
How to Clean Your Tank Properly
Whether you leave your fish in the tank or not, you should clean your tank regularly and properly to maintain a healthy and beautiful environment for your fish. Here are some tips on how to clean your tank the right way:
Schedule your cleaning routine. You should clean your tank at least once a week, or more often if you have a large or heavily stocked tank. You should also check your water parameters regularly with a test kit, and adjust them as needed.
Gather your cleaning supplies. You will need a bucket, a gravel vacuum, a soft brush or sponge, a pair of scissors or tweezers, and a water conditioner. You may also need an algae scraper, a razor blade, or a toothbrush for stubborn algae or stains.
Turn off the equipment. You should unplug the heater, the filter, the air pump, and the lights before you start cleaning. This will prevent electric shocks, water spills, and overheating.
Remove any algae or dirt. You should use an algae scraper, a razor blade, or a toothbrush to remove any algae or dirt from the glass, the decorations, and the equipment. You should avoid using any metal tools or abrasive materials, as they can scratch the glass or damage the equipment.
Trim and prune the plants. You should use a pair of scissors or tweezers to trim and prune any dead, dying, or overgrown plants. You should also remove any floating plants or debris from the water surface.
Vacuum the gravel. You should use a gravel vacuum to siphon out any waste, food, or debris from the substrate. You should move the vacuum slowly and gently across the gravel, and avoid sucking up any gravel or fish. You should also avoid disturbing the root systems of the plants or the beneficial bacteria in the filter media.
Change the water. You should change about 25% of the water every week, or more if the water is very dirty or cloudy. You should use a bucket to collect the old water, and a hose or a pitcher to add the new water. You should make sure that the new water is clean, dechlorinated, and at the same temperature as the tank water. You should also add some water conditioner and beneficial bacteria to the new water to neutralize any harmful substances and boost the biological filtration.
Clean the filter. You should clean the filter every month, or more often if it is clogged or dirty. You should rinse the filter media with some of the old tank water, and replace any worn-out or damaged parts. You should avoid using tap water or soap, as they can kill the beneficial bacteria and harm your fish.
Turn on the equipment. You should plug in the heater, the filter, the air pump, and the lights after you finish cleaning. You should check that everything is working properly and that there are no leaks or malfunctions.
Observe your fish. You should watch your fish for any signs of stress, disease, or injury after you clean the tank. You should also monitor the water parameters and the water quality for any changes or fluctuations. You should adjust the temperature, the pH, and the hardness as needed, and treat any problems as soon as possible.
Cleaning your tank is an essential part of fish keeping, but it can also be stressful for your fish. Whether you leave your fish in the tank or not depends on several factors, such as their health, temperament, and water quality. You should always clean your tank carefully and gently, and avoid any sudden or drastic changes that can shock or harm your fish. By following these tips, you can keep your tank clean and your fish happy.
