Weindependently evaluateall of our testimonial . If you tap links we provide , we may get compensation .
In This Article
The Spruce Pets / Lecia Landis
A unclouded fish tank will make a better environment for your fish , invertebrate , and plants , so it ’s not only important to clean properly , but also to create a reproducible and workable cleanup schedule .
The best aquarium cleaning supply wo n’t just handle grimy glass , but also help you clean out algae , rule out barren from your fish tank ’s substratum , and decent condition your water system for optimal clarity and the wellness of your tank ’s residents .
Credit:The Spruce Pets / Lecia Landis
Some of our best-loved cleaning solutions provide useful alternatives to traditional cleansing merchandise , such as Fritz Aquatics ’ Aquarium Glass & Acrylic Cleaner , which work like a traditional glass dry cleaner , but cuts out the toxic ammonia . We also have recommendations that will automate some of your fish tank cleaning duties , or even allow you to clean the interior of the tank from the exterior .
Our Top Picks
Best Gravel Cleaner
Python Aquarium Maintenance System
Suction make automatically
No lifting weighed down buckets
Can control sucking level
Credit: Amazon
Additional piss waste to provide suction
Long hosepipe to store
If you want to take the focus out of aquarium cleaning , then you involve the Python Gravel Cleaning . After having used these to clean small tanks in a large aquarium , I ’ve never used any other type . This gravel siphon claw onto your cesspool and in a flash create suction to quickly drain your tank while doing in force vacuuming . There is some water lost to creating suction , so keep this in psyche if you do not need to rot piddle .
Credit: Amazon
Do n’t just stir your crushed rock and expect your filter to grab everything for you ! All Pisces tanks necessitate a gravel vacancy to keep things clean . The Python organisation build fish tank cleaning as easy as possible . you could change the vacuum attachment and how tight the water flows to adjust this system to any size tank . And once you ’re done vacuuming , a simple gimmick of the fond regard and the water menstruate the other way , easily filling your tank ! Just do n’t blank out the piddle conditioner .
Sizes:25 , 50 , 75 , and 100 feet |Materials : Plastic
Best Glass Cleaner
Pronetcus Algae Scraper for Glass Aquariums
extremely efficacious at cleaning multiple substance off glass
cheap
Can replace blades
Credit: Amazon
Can not use on acrylic tanks
scavenge marine museum meth can seem like an dateless job but make short work of it with the Pronetcus Algae Scraper . Having made the fault myself in using a crank scraper on an acrylic armoured combat vehicle , be sure you acknowledge what case you have before purchase a scraper ! spyglass scrapers are typically metal which will severely get it on up an acrylic armoured combat vehicle . Hopefully , your mistake will not be witness by countless aquarium patron like mine .
This scraper comes in a few different lengths , depending on the profundity of your storage tank . It also has the ability to supercede the scraper blade , 10 of which are include , which is cardinal in preserve your tank clean as leaf blade get nicked with manipulation . It is an inexpensive ware that will keep your glass looking pristine with minimum effort .
Credit: Amazon
Sizes:16 , 22 , and , 26 inches |Materials : Stainless steel hold , alloy blade
Best Acrylic Cleaner
Continuum Aquatics AquaBlade Scraper
Cleans acrylic tank car well
Can be swapped out for metal glass brand
Blades can be easily swapped
Credit: Amazon
Wears down within a few months
Hard to make acrylic paint count clean
In all honesty , I am not a devotee of acrylic aquarium since you just can not make them pristinely clean like glass tank . For cleaning acrylic resin , the just option is the Continuum Aquatics AquaBlade , a plastic scraper . All acrylic scrapers can be very frustrating to ferment with . moldable scraper will protect your acrylate resin storage tank surface , but will get nick very easily , causing them to be less reliable over time . Thankfully , this model has well-heeled to substitute blade that can even be swapped for a glass scraper if you trade out your armored combat vehicle . Never swop out a glass scraper for an acrylic one ! You will be pitiful with even more scratches along the incline of your aquarium .
Credit: Amazon
This model comes in two duration with a substantial fiberglass handgrip for problematical scrub . I have used my manus at once on the scraper before to better performance rather than give ear on to the end of the handgrip . If less than perfect aquarium sides bother you as much as me , I extremely recommend a glass tank .
Sizes:14 , 24 , and 35 inches |Materials : Fiberglass handle , pliant steel
Best Spray Cleaner
Fritz Aquatics Aquarium Glass & Acrylic Cleaner
Easy to use
Does not contain ammonia
For both glass and acrylic paint tank
Credit: Amazon
Do not want fish - specific cleaner
If you want your tank take care its downright best , then you ’ll need Fritz Aquatics Aquarium Cleaner . This product is made for both acrylic paint and Methedrine army tank and does not take ammonia water , so it is safe for your fish . go for a few spritzes to the exterior of your storage tank and pass over it down with a soft cloth .
Do you really need a fish - specific dry cleaner ? Absolutely not . you may use any cleaner you hope on the outside of your glass tank provide you do not spray it direct in the tank . This can be easily figure out by first spray the cleaning cloth and then applying it to your tank . Keep in mind that some products may make streaking on acrylic paint , so good do your research prior to using other cleaners . My main issue with many of these fish tank products is that no ingredients are listed , so it is hard to fuck what on the button you are apply to your armored combat vehicle .
Credit: Amazon
Sizes:8 ounces
Best Algae Cleaner
API Algae Scraper
efficient for algae removal
Will violate down with retell usage
If algae is bothering you and not your fish , it ’s time for an effective alga clean such asthe glassandacrylic models from API . This simple , yet effective , model is ideal for remove obstinate alga with a little elbow grease . As with other product , be sure you choose the veracious tool for your tank , be it a chicken feed or acrylic aquarium .
Credit: Amazon
I have used many of these scraper with my own tanks and our previous fish infirmary . Some alga may take a few passes with some grunt work , but these scraper have never let me down . To apply more pressure , I hold it properly above the quick study rather than the end of the handgrip . Since you ’ll be scrubbing repeatedly , the leech will fatigue down over time , but they are inexpensive to replace .
Length:18 inch |Materials : Plastic handle , plastic parazoan
Best Magnet Cleaner Glass
Neptonion Magnetic Aquarium Fish Tank Algae Scraper
Do n’t have to equal piddle to pick glass
ego - floating for easy retrieval
Strong magnets to easily scrub alga
Credit: Amazon
Less effective than getting into army tank with scraper
take some practice and coordination for good results
Rather than get your hands dingy in the tank , you could try an aquarium magnet cleansing agent . Keep in mind that not all of these magnet cleaner are created equal , and the NEPTONION Magnet Scraper is a dim-witted , yet efficient putz . Many products have faint magnets or an extra scraper attachment , which in my opinion is entirely useless , so this mannikin wins on simplicity and strong clasp . Simply guide the extraneous felt inkpad handle over the scrub part inside the tank and get to scrubbing .
This modeling also has a self - be adrift feature article so it will not fall to the bottom of your tank after cleaning , command you to reach inside and fish it out . It comes in a few unlike sizes but will need to be rinse after consumption to keep the pad unfermented and clean . extremely recommended for kinfolk with smaller kids since they will be entertained to call off outwardly without expose themselves to the fish or tank pee .
size : Small ( 2.8 x 1.5 x 2.4 inch ) , big ( 4.3 x 2.3 x 3.5 inches ) , x - large ( 4.8 x 2.6 x 4.1 inches ) |Materials : charge card handle , felt sponge
Best Magnet Cleaner Acrylic
Aqueon Aquarium Cleaning Magnets
Reduces scratches on acrylic tank material
Removes algae
Easy to replace tablet after wear
Limited scrubbing ability compare to in - tank poser
Using magnets to clean acrylic tanks can be slenderly crafty . Magnets utilize potent forces on both sides of the tank to in effect cleanse the surface and acrylic just does n’t like this most of the time . If you’re able to not put your hands in the armored combat vehicle , however , the Aqueon Algae Cleaning Magnet is a in force choice . Remember , most algae bothers hoi polloi , not Pisces , so a trivial bit leftover after cleaning should n’t be anything to stress over .
The Aqueon magnet is easy to use and has interchangeable pads , so it can be used in a glass tank if you elevate . Never use the same equipment between two tank since it can be a causal agency of disease facing pages . This attracter is burden , so after detaching , it will decrease to the bottom of your tankful and will involve to be recollect using the attractor or a internet . Hopefully , it does not strike anything as it falls !
Sizes : Small ( 4.6 x 7.5 x 2.4 column inch ) , medium ( 4.5 x 9 x 2.5 inches ) , large ( 5.2 x 10.6 x 3 inches ) |Materials : Plastic hold , feel sponge
Best Aquascaping Tool Kit
Ohtomber Aquascape Tool Kit
Long handles for rich memory access
Rust proof unsullied steel
Less accurate position
For thoseaquascapersout there , having timbre peter to keep your plants in check is a worthwhile investment . This four piece aquascape outfit by Ohtomber includes a couple of curved scissors , landscaping cock , curved and unbowed pincer . All these items make it easy to keep your plant life history wait its best . call back that with all aquatic plants , you need to hit dead plants as before they dilapidate and return ammonia back to your system .
All the included tools are fairly long , between 10 and 13 inches , which makes them a little mo ungainly for exact placement of flora . They are made of calibre stainless steel so are less potential to eat and be used for many years . The teeth on the tweezers are not very tight , so it may take additional pressure to concord onto plant life which can damage them unwittingly .
let in : Terrain scraper , curved scissor hold , curved forceps , straight forceps
Best All-in-One Aquarium Cleaning System
SEAOURA 7-in-1 Aquarium Cleaning Tool
Long touch grip
vacuum tube cleaner for filters
Only one handle
With many all - in - one cleaning kit on the market place , some have come up with useless pecker simply to have more part and seem more “ pure . ” However , in my experience , the quality dick that you use all the time make much more mother wit for an all - in - one setup , which is why we commend the 7 - in-1 Aquarium Cleaning Tool by SEQOURA . This kit let in a sturdy handle that extends up to over 2 feet tenacious with multiple brain to change out . include is a gravel rakehell , large scrub brush for décor , a works fork , “ large ” Pisces net , ice cleaning sponge and large scraper . This outfit also includes a subway brush which is very handy for cleaning your filter .
This kit unfortunately labels itself as useable with both glass and acrylic tank . This is a big trouble since it probably means it wo n’t scavenge your chicken feed very in effect and will belike scratch your acrylic tank . It is hard to design a product with both materials in mind , so if you desire a thick clean , we highly advocate build your own kit from the other products number on this post .
Includes : Telescopic handle , large scraper , adjustable slant brush , gravel rake , plant crotch , adjustable slant flat leech , heavy fish net , and aquarium filter hose brush
Best Water Conditioner
API Tap Water Conditioner
Quick and efficient
Will preserve your Fish ’ lives
May postulate a syringe to measure in effect
You only require your water system conditioner to do one task : withdraw toxic chlorine and chloramine from your rap water system and API Tap Water Conditioner does just that . This is the conditioner I have used myself in my own tanks for years and the one we urge to all of our clients .
When it get along to water conditioners , it is vital to only use ONE . If you use multiple ones at the same metre , you could seriously hurt your fish and their environment , particularly if they have an ammonia binder . True , you wo n’t ache your fish by using a little bit more than advocate , but two or three sentence the necessary amount is just a waste of intersection and could seriously harm your fish . These product may look just like water , but they sure as shooting do not act the same path ! call back , when total conditioner to your tank , you only need to treat the volume of raw pee , not the total volume of the tank .
Sizes:1 , 16 , 64 , and 128 ounces
Final Verdict
When it comes to cleaning your marine museum , we can not advocate thePython Gravel Vacuumenough . It is very easy to use and makes cleaning your aquarium well less operose and peculiarly important if you ca n’t or wo n’t lug around large bucketful of water . Once you ’re ready to replenish , useAPI Tap Water Conditionerto make your new water safe for fish . It does its business simply and effectively without a lot of despicable additives . I have used both Cartesian product many multiplication in my almost 20 years of hold fish and they have not countenance me down yet !
What To Look For When Buying Aquarium Supplies
Freshwater vs. Saltwater
There are no cleansing tools that are brine or fresh water particular . you’re able to use any of the above peter on either eccentric of system of rules , even brackish ! If anything is labelled “ saltwater ” or “ freshwater only , ” this is a marketing whatchamacallum .
Glass vs. Acrylic
As mentioned with many of the items above , it is vital to roll in the hay if your aquarium is methamphetamine hydrochloride or acrylic . Glass tank car incline to be heavier but are sturdier and will hold up to more strong-growing cleaning . Acrylic tanks can be easily damaged by vigorous cleaning , especially with any metal tool made for glass tank . Take it from someone who used the wrong prick on a curve acrylic tank at a major aquarium cause major scratches , you will regret using the incorrect tool !
Fish Removal During Cleaning
You should avoid removing your fish during cleansing . It can make considerable stress for your fish to handle them and put them in a foreign environment , even for a short period of prison term . Proper fish tank cleanup can be done with all the Pisces in the tank . slay decorations from half of the tank at one time to insure thorough cleanup while your fish still have a good place to hide .
Water Changes
Water changes are necessary for all stilted fish system . This is basically the remotion of old water and replacing it with new , treat fresh water from the strike , nursing bottle or an RO or IO unit . Never replace more than 50 % of the water supply in your tank at one meter and always ensure your fish have enough urine to cover themselves and their favorite hiding place during cleaning time . Doing more than a 50 % water supply change at one prison term could sternly bear upon your tank ’s pee chemistry , specifically temperature and pH , which can seriously stress your fish .
Cleaning Tasks
Please notice this is only a oecumenical rule of thumb . Cleaning frequency and volume will be determine by bioload , size of tank , and filtration capableness .
Here are some examples of common aquarium cleaning tasks :
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Yearly
Gravel cleaners take a spot of exercise . Before you begin vacuuming , take all of your décor items and any industrial plant that are not rooted in substrate . slews of debris can terminate up under these items without many owners realizing it .
Once everything is removed , turn off your filter . Hook up your crushed rock vacuity and submerge the larger diameter hosepipe in your aquarium . ante up aid to the open end so no fish or wayward invertebrate get sucked in . Place the goal of your vacuum tube in a collection thriftlessness bucket that you could use to rinse off your filters .
If you are using the Python scheme we recommend , hook it up to your sink and jump the pee melt down to get a siphon started . Traditional gravel siphons use a credit crunch electric-light bulb or else , which take manual pumping to generate the siphon action .
If your crushed rock siphon ca n’t get hold of the bottom of your crushed rock , then your substratum is likely too inscrutable . tolerate the siphon to annul the gravel somewhat and then rend the siphon up . This will allow the make clean substrate to decrease back to the bottom of the tank . Move along your tank in a zigzag pattern until you have scavenge all of the gravel . Your siphon should be the correct size so you do not take away more than 50 % of the water while syphon your intact storage tank .
To expend a magnetic glass / acrylic paint clean , place the side with the scrub launch area in your cooler , facing the glass . Then attach the magnetic handle from the outside . It may take some recitation to get everything to line up right . As with all scrubbers , be certain to check your scouring pad for any debris before attach it to your armored combat vehicle wall , since gravel or other coarse objects stuck in the scrubber pad could damage your crank or acrylic bulwark . The easiest method for separating the exterior handle and the interior scrubber is typically by twisting — rather than pulling — them asunder , lessening the magnetized contact open area .
acetum for cleaning aquarium can be used only if the tank car is empty . Using it in a tank with resilient animals can severely change your urine ’s pH scale and emphasize out your tank inhabitants . If you are change over out systems , here are some methods you canuse to clean out your tank .
Hang - on filters , interior filter , andcanister filtersshould be clean regularly . Although many filter materials say they need to be put back often , you should never supervene upon your filter medium until it is about to fall apart . The best method of cleaning a filter is to gather a bucket of waste tank urine from your gravel siphon , take your filter apart and mildly submerse the components . swoosh them around in the wastewater and exchange them in your filter . Resist the itch to clean them too thoroughly using chlorinate tap water supply . If your filter is about to disintegrate , replace only 50 % at one clip to uphold yourbiological filtration .
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
This history was write byDr . Jessie Sanders , a precede expert in preferent fish forethought who has used almost all of the above products during her calling . As one of only 10 board - certified Pisces medical specialist , Dr. Sanders is very familiar with the mundane tasks of fishkeeping and tries to take her clients to the best and most effectual equipment to conserve a healthy environs for their besotted pets .
