How To Safely Clean Your Tank And Aquarium Decorations | PetGuide

Top stories

Why Throwing Sticks for Your Dog Could Be Dangerous Unexpected Things That Helped Me Cope With Loss of My 17-Year-Old Cat Healthy Dog Importation Act Endorsed By Several Veterinary Groups See Edits

• Blog
• General Information

9.3K Views How to Safely Clean Your Tank and Aquarium Decorations by Kate Barrington (IC: ) Published: June 11th, 2021

For all aquarium aficionados, the decor and the display in their tank are the biggest pride and joy – besides the fish, of course. Depending on the size of the tank, you can have a variety of setups and decoration pieces in the water. Your abilities to decorate are limited only by the size of your aquarium. And when you’re sprucing up your tank with aquarium ornaments, it’s inevitably going to need to be cleaned on occasion. Things that stay in the water for a long time are bound to become grimy, calcified, faded, and simply unsanitary. That can’t be good for the delicate aquarium fish. In other words, cleaning is crucial. But how do you go about it without making the marine environment compromised and unhealthy for its inhabitants? So here’s how to do it without endangering your fishes’ environment.

Keeping your aquarium clean is more than just a matter of aesthetics – it also has an impact on the water quality in your tank which directly affects your fish. To keep the water quality in your tank high, you should clean your tank decorations on a regular basis. Don’t let the grime and growth appear and spoil the water. Instead, establish a regular cleaning schedule of the tank, and that way your water and decorations will always be optimally clean. Just keep the following tips in mind and you won’t compromise the fish in any way.

Tips for Cleaning Your Tank

To keep your community of fish and invertebrates happy and healthy, you need to maintain a clean tank so that your water quality will always remain high. And even though a lot of people think that they need to remove all of the water from the tank, the truth is that you don’t have to do that unless the tank is in really poor condition. Keeping most of the water in the tank will actually help in maintaining the right level of good bacteria that are necessary for a healthy aquarium. A bit of a paradox, right?

Just follow the steps below to clean your tank easily and efficiently. Be sure to do this on a regular basis to keep your aquarium looking beautiful and your animals healthy.

1. Using an algae pad, you can clean the insides of the glass walls of your tank. There are a lot of different algae scrapers to choose from, but the right one will help remove any algae that’s stuck onto the glass. If there is quite a bit of stubborn a

Check Price

Note: It might not be a good idea to clean out your filter when you are doing a tank cleaning, as that could cause an imbalance of the beneficial bacteria in the tank. Therefore, experts recommend waiting a couple of weeks before doing a filter cleaning. Keep in mind that how you maintain your filter will also depend on the type of filtration system that you are using.

You already know that regular maintenance is crucial when keeping a fish tank- not only it will make your prized aquarium look spotless, but it also ensures that the fish and the plants in it thrive and stay healthy. To make your job easier and to ensure you’re not inadvertently endangering the flora and the fauna in your tank with the supplies you’re using, you need to have the right type of aquarium cleaning tools and solutions. They have to be both efficient in what they do and deemed safe and non-toxic. These are our choices when it comes to the best fish tank cleaning tools and products:

Removing pesky algae from your aquarium sometimes takes a lot of scrubbing and scraping before that glass or plastic is spotless again. It can be tiring, challenging, and costly. This nifty design, however, allows you to do both without needing different tools: the dual-sided magnet cleaner polishes the surface and the stainless steel scraper on the edges will remove hard algae deposits with ease. Simple and efficient! FL!PPER Algae Cleaner will work on both glass and acrylic aquariums and comes with replaceable blades for both types of surfaces.

2. Best Vacuum – Aqueon Medium Siphon Vacuum Aquarium Gravel Cleaner

Check Price

Cleaning aquarium gravel is a dreaded task for most fish keepers - it can be really challenging, tedious, and detrimental for the tank environment. But with the right equipment on hand, it doesn’t have to be as taxing as you’d expect it to be. This high-quality siphon vacuum efficiently separates debris from gravel and it’s easy to start and use. The potent sucking power might not be the best choice for small aquariums or nano tanks, but if you have a medium or large fish tank, this tool will become an irreplaceable part of your aquarium cleaning arsenal.

3. Best Cleaning Set – JZMYXA Aquarium Fish Tank Cleaning Set

Check Price

In case you’re new to the world of fish keeping or need to replace your old tatty aquarium cleaning supplies, this budget-friendly fish tank cleaning set might be just what you need - without the need to break the bank. It contains six multipurpose tools: fish net, spoon net (for daily pickup of debris), aquarium surface cleaning sponge, an algae scraper, plant fork (for extracting aquatic plants), and gravel rake. All these tools are installed on an adjustable handle – 1.8ft to 2.6ft length – so you can adjust it to clean both small and large tanks with the same ease.

4. Best Water Filter Cleaner – yueton Aquarium Water Filter Pipe Cleaner

Check Price

This inexpensive tool is ideal for cleaning aquarium canister filters, sink overflow tubes- or any kinds of fish tank pipes and hoses, really. You’ll be impressed with how useful these small gentle brushes are for regular maintenance- they’ll easily remove gunk and deposits of all kinds of nastiness in your aquarium equipment. This is one of those tools that all aquarium enthusiasts simply need to have in their cleaning arsenal.

5. Best Gravel Cleaner – Natural Rapport Aquarium Gravel Cleaner

Check Price

If you want to prolong the periods between actual gravel cleaning without risking the quality of the water, this is the thing to go for. This liquid cleaner boasts a professional-grade, non-chemical formula that can be safely used in saltwater and freshwater tanks both. It will eliminate organic waste buildup, improve water quality, and reduce odors- so you won’t have to get the pump out as often. No mess, no hassle- a perfect addition to your fish tank cleaning routine!

6. Best Tool Kit – Segarty Aquarium Tools Kit 5 in 1

Check Price

An often overlooked- but equally important- part of aquarium maintenance are aquascaping and general aquatic plant care. Not unlike plants in a garden, aquatic plants also need to be trimmed, the gravel around them as well as any aquarium decor clean and neat, and generally pruned and maintained to thrive. And to do that successfully and with ease, you’ll need the right tools- such as this handy Segarty Aquarium Tools 5 in 1 kit. The set includes two pairs of scissors (one straight and one curved) for trimming and shaping of the plants, even if they are in the remote corners of the tank, a spatula for aquascaping and arranging the gravel, and two pairs of tweezers (one straight and one curved) for cleaning debris and planting new specimens in the aquarium.

All of the tools are made from forged stainless steel, ensuring their durability and rust-resistant qualities, so you can be certain these will last you years with ease. The handles are smooth and ergonomic so they are also comfy to grip and use- the only “downside” is that you can’t avoid wetting your hands when you use these aquascaping tools. But hey, where there’s fish, there’s bound to be water too!

Tips for Cleaning Tank Decorations

Anything that you put into your aquarium could have an impact on your water chemistry and water quality. That means that if you clean your tank decorations with soap and don’t rinse them properly, the soap could change the conditions in your tank and it might have a negative impact on your fish. This is why you need to be careful about how you clean your tank decorations, and to be thorough in everything you do as well. To clean your aquarium décor safely, follow the steps below:

Remove your tank decorations one at a time for cleaning. If you clean out the whole tank, you could cause your fish to become stressed, which will increase their risk for getting sick. Be steady, slow, and precise when removing these decorations - don’t rush in and splash about. That will also stress out the fish and disturb their environment. The less noticeable you are, the better.

Related: The Truth About The 1 Inch Per Gallon Rule

• Place the decoration in your sink and run hot water over it for two to three minutes. This will help to cut through accumulated algae and make the cleaning process easier. The hot water is, of course, another good way at killing bacteria and disinfecting items.
• Make a 5 percent bleach solution by mixing about 4 teaspoons per 2 gallons of water.
• Pour the bleach solution over the item or place the item in a bucket filled with the bleach solution. Allow it to soak for two to three minutes. This is another great way of disinfection.
• Use a toothbrush or bristle brush to scrub any algae and debris off the item. This is particularly important for objects that have been in the water long, and accumulated gunk and filth over time.
• Rinse the object thoroughly in cool water for about 5 minutes to remove any traces of bleach.
• Fill another bucket with warm water and treat it with a dechlorinating agent.
• Add the cleaned item to the bucket and allow it to soak for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it again and then placing it back in the aquarium. Remember to be as thorough as possible in everything you do, especially rinsing. This can be crucial for the wellbeing of your fish.

Related: How to Anchor Live Plants to Driftwood for a Natural Décor Scheme

By following these instructions you can safely clean the objects in your aquarium without putting your fish at risk. Just be sure to only clean one large object (or several smaller objects) at a time so you don’t stress out your fish or kick up a lot of debris in the tank. You should also avoid cleaning your filter and your tank objects at the same time because you don’t want to kill off too many beneficial bacteria or your tank might re-cycle and that could kill your fish. Any sudden changes to the “ecosystem”, i.e. the tank environment, can be very detrimental for the fish, especially the sensitive and exotic breeds.

Low-Maintenance Décor Tips

If the lighting in your tank is too high or if there is an abundance of nutrients (often due to infrequent water changes) you are likely to have algae problems. The best way to prevent excessive algae growth is to limit your tank lighting to 10 to 12 hours per day and to keep your aquarium out of direct sunlight. Not only will direct sunlight boost algae growth, but it can also fade decorations, aquarium fittings, and raise the temperature of the water. It is always better to keep the tank out of direct sunlight, and in a bit of a shade. In addition to taking these precautions you can also reduce your tank cleaning requirements by using low-maintenance décor options. Fake plants and artificial driftwood can look good in your tank without increasing your tank maintenance duties – they don’t need any special lighting or substrate and they won’t change your tank water chemistry. It also doesn’t hurt that artificial tank décor options are usually much less expensive that artificial options.

Keeping your aquarium clean is essential for the health and wellness of your aquarium fish but you must strike a balance between cleaning often enough and cleaning too much. Your best bet is to set up a maintenance schedule for your weekly water changes and to correlate that with your décor cleanings. Cleaning one large tank object per week when you perform your water change will ensure that your tank stays clean without putting your tank at risk for re-cycling. Of course, you can also seek out the advice of experienced and longtime aquarium owners. See how they clean their tanks, soak up some valuable information, and steal the tricks of the trade. Experience comes with time, and learning from the best is a sure way to succeed and keep your fish thriving.

Simple Tips for Aquarium Maintenance

Once you set up your aquarium, you should let it run for at least a week or two before you add your aquarium fish. This gives the tank time to “cycle” which simply involves building up a colony of beneficial bacteria that will help facilitate the process of waste metabolism, helping keep the conditions in your tank within the healthy range for your fish and other tank inhabitants.

Here are some simple tips to help you maintain your aquarium:

• Test your tank water on a weekly basis. The only way to know whether conditions in your aquarium are ideal or not is to perform weekly water tests. Record the results in a notebook so you can compare them week to week, checking for problematic changes.
• Perform regular water changes. Changing your tank water helps remove dissolved wastes and replace trace nutrients, so perform a water change at least once every two weeks of at least 10% to 15% your total tank volume. We all know that the quality of modern tap water is not ideal, and it can contain many unhealthy additions. That is why regular water replacement and filtration are very important.
• Always condition new tank water. Before adding new water to your aquarium, you need to treat it with a water conditioner to remove chlorine and heavy metals that are toxic to your fish.
• Clean and service your filter on a monthly basis. You’ll need to replace your filter media once a month and clean the filter – just avoid cleaning the biological filter so you don’t kill your beneficial bacteria.
• Remove algae as needed. Over time, algae may accumulate in your tank, especially if you leave your lights on too long or there is an abundance of certain nutrients. Remove algae by using a gravel vacuum when you perform water changes and manually remove algae as needed.
• Check to make sure everything is working. In addition to checking the conditions in your tank, you also need to maintain your equipment properly. Check everything at least a few times a week to make sure it is still running and do a more in-depth check once a month.

With the right tools and equipment, maintaining your aquarium won’t be difficult. It is all about practice and routine – after a few successful cleanups, it will be easier each time. As long as you stay on top of your routine maintenance tasks and pay attention to the little details, your aquarium will be alive and thriving for years to come.

Additional resource:

Top 5 Invertebrates to Hire For Your Freshwater Cleanup Crew

We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. Learn more about how this works.

WOW Print Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

More by Kate Barrington

Published June 11th, 2021 12:00 AM

Pedigree Foundation Rescue Dog of the Year Is a Senior Named Teddy

View Article

How to Create a Cat-Safe Garden Without Giving Up Beautiful Plants

View Article Next Prev

Related articles

Best Natural-Looking Aquarium Decorations

When decorating your aquarium, you may want to create a look inspired by nature. We’ve picked out some of the best natural-looking aquarium decorations.

Best Aquarium Gravel for Freshwater Tanks

What’s at the bottom of your aquarium? If you’re looking for substrate, check out our picks for the best aquarium gravel for freshwater tanks.

Best Products to Remove Aquarium Algae

It’s completely natural, but it sure does make your tank look gross! Here are the best products to remove aquarium algae.

Best Artificial Aquarium Plants

Keeping a tank with live plants can be quite a challenge. If you want the look of a planted tank without the hassle, think about adding artificial aquarium plants.

Best Betta Tank Decorations

Do you want to complement your beautiful Betta fish? Why not fill your aquarium with the awe-inspiring Betta tank decorations?Betta fish are some of the most colorful aquarium fish out there, coming in all colors of the rainbow. Not only do they have brilliant colors, but they have beautiful flowing fins. The primary problem with betta fish is that the males of the species tend to be very territorial and aggressive. This makes it a challenge to keep them with other aquarium fish.

5 Fun Toys to Keep Your Cat Entertained Indoors

Cats are naturally curious, playful, and full of energy. Whether you’re raising a kitten or caring for an adult cat, the right toys and accessories can help keep your furry friend active, engaged, and happy when they’re indoors. From climbing towers to interactive puzzles, here are five fun toys to keep your cat entertained.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

3 Fun Facts About Sphinx Cats

Sphinx cats are undeniably one of the most unique-looking feline breeds, famous for their hairless appearance and striking personalities. Beyond their (seemingly) bald bodies, these cats are full of surprises! Here are three fun facts about Sphinx cats that might make you fall in love with them even more.

Study Suggests Cats Meow Harder and Louder to Get Male Attention

Women use baby-talk to to engage and interact with their feline friends. Men, not so much... and cats are fed up!

How to Choose Dog-Friendly Places That Won’t Overwhelm Your Pet

Finding the perfect place to take your dog for a little “out of house adventure” is about more than just checking for a sign at the door announcing pets are allowed. A successful adventure starts with careful consideration for your dog’s comfort and confidence rather than just our own convenience. While the world is becoming more pet-friendly by the day, not every dog-friendly space is a good fit for every dog’s unique temperament, training level, or social battery.Even just looking at our two dogs, Lucifer and Willow, their requirements and preferences are vastly different in many ways.The goal is to find environments where your dog can genuinely enjoy the experience and thrive alongside you, rather than simply surviving the stress of the crowd. Whether you are headed to a quiet bookstore for a cozy visit on a cold winter day or a busy weekend market under the summer sun, choosing the right destination is the first step in planning a fun day out together.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article, but at no cost to you.Is Your Dog Ready for Public Spaces? Like people, every dog has a unique social battery and tolerance for public spaces. Understanding where your dog falls on this spectrum will help you choose a location that won’t result in burnout or stress. Most dogs can be sorted into one of four general categories: Social Butterflies: These dogs genuinely enjoy meeting new people and other dogs. They are great candidates for busier environments, such as outdoor markets. Neutral Observers: These dogs are indifferent to others. They don’t need to say hello, but they can remain calm in a crowd. This is the gold standard for public behavior. The Selective or Shy: These dogs may feel overwhelmed in tight quarters. For them, “dog-friendly” should mean wide-open spaces rather than crowded restaurant patios. The Sensitive or Reactive: If your dog reacts to seeing other dogs or strangers with fear or barking, the best way to plan a positive day out is to skip the public crowds for now. Instead, look for private dog parks or remote hiking trails where they can enjoy themselves without worrying about the added pressure of others. It’s also important to note that if your dog isn’t ready for the outing you had in mind, it isn’t necessarily always going to be that way. With training and counterconditioning, many dogs can move on this spectrum. For example, our girl Willow is a Neutral Observer who sometimes crosses into Social Butterfly territory, which we try to keep in check to respect everyone’s space. Meanwhile, my boy Lucifer came to us as a Reactive dog who I would now say fits better into the Selective or Shy category. But to make these changes, you must first recognize and respect their current social comfort level. Additionally, take a moment to do a quick health audit. This includes up-to-date vaccinations and flea/tick prevention, especially if your adventure will take you out on local nature trails or grassy parks. Ensure their identification tags are legible, accurate, and secure. In an emergency, this could be the key to bringing your dog home safely. Helpful Training Cues You don’t need a professional agility dog or therapy pup to go to the hardware store, but there are a few foundational cues that will make your experience more enjoyable and safer for everyone involved. The first, and most obvious, is your dog’s ability to walk politely on a leash. Public spaces often have narrow walkways or paths you will need to navigate, like a store aisle. A dog who lunges or pulls can create an unsafe situation for themselves and others. Next, I would highly recommend the “settle” or “place” cue. This asks your dog to relax on a specific spot until they are given the release cue. This is particularly helpful if you are planning to spend time somewhere where you want to sit for a while, like a café or brewery. For our dogs, we introduced a designated portable mat that they recognize as their “place” wherever we go. Finally, consider teaching a solid “leave it” cue. This is essential for navigating dropped food on a patio, interesting-smelling merchandise in a park, or litter tossed aside at your local market. This may make the difference between a minor annoyance and a trip to the emergency vet.  Pre-Adventure Checklist Before you grab the leash and head out the door, take a moment to carefully consider the location you plan to visit and your dog’s current needs. A successful visit starts long before you arrive. Just as you wouldn’t walk out the door without your wallet, car keys, and cellphone, your dog also has a checklist. When heading out with our pups, we always pack a small gear bag with the following: High-Value Treats: Use these to reward calm behavior or to redirect your dog’s attention if they become distracted. You will need to experiment with different options to find what your dog considers high value. For our dogs, the treat bag often contains Charlee Bear Grain Free Crunch (Lucifer’s favorite) and Benny Bully’s (Willow’s favorite).   Collapsible Water Bowl: Hydration is key, especially if you are visiting outdoor patios in the sun. A Non-Retractable Leash: Fixed-length leashes (4-6 feet) provide much better control in public settings than retractable ones. Waste Bags: Always carry more than you think you need. After all, we want to ensure we will continue to be welcome in these spaces by respecting those we share them with. Portable Travel Mat: As I mentioned, we use this to reinforce the “place” command, giving them a designated spot to relax next to us while we enjoy a drink or a bite to eat.

5 Essential Items for Dogs Who Spend Time Home Alone

Leaving your furry friend home alone can be stressful—for both you and your dog. Fortunately, there are plenty of modern pet items out there that make things safer, more comfortable, and happier for your pup. Whether you work long hours or just need to be out of the house often, here are five must-have items for dogs who often spend time alone.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

3 Easy Tips to Stop Your Cat From Killing Local Wildlife

Hunting is instinctual for cats, but it can cause real harm to local wildlife populations and even lead to dead (or live!) creatures being dragged into your home. Birds, lizards, and small mammals are all at risk when your feline friend roams outdoors. The good news? With a few simple changes, you can keep your cat happy and healthy while protecting the local wildlife. Here are three easy tips to try.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

5 Foods to Keep Away From Your Cat This Fall

Fall brings cozy flavors, warm spices, and delicious seasonal foods, but not all of them are safe for your feline friend. Cats are curious creatures, and it’s easy for them to sneak a bite of something they shouldn’t. To keep your pet healthy this season, here are five common fall foods you should never share with your cat. Please note this list isn't exhaustive.

Why Is Your Cat Suddenly Biting?

Cats are known for their playful, sometimes quirky behavior, but when your normally gentle companion suddenly starts biting, it can be confusing and even concerning. Understanding why this shift happens is the first step toward addressing it. Let’s break it down.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

3 Strange Things Your Dog Might Do When They’re Sick

Dogs can’t tell us when they’re feeling unwell, but they often express discomfort in ways that seem odd. As a pet parent, recognizing these subtle signals early can make all the difference. Here are three unusual behaviors that might mean your dog isn’t feeling their best.

Viral Puppy Video Confirms the Best Way to Protect Young Joints

Exploring the great outdoors together is one of the great joys of sharing our lives with a dog. Fresh air, new scents, and challenging trails are a great way to build a strong bond between a dog and their person. But as a recent video reminds us, giving our pups a great lie means carefully balancing the thrill of adventure with the need for safety and rest – especially when they’re young. An adorable video featuring Apollo, a young Australian Cattle Dog, on his first hike, went viral on TikTok.  With over 7 million views and 1.5 million likes, the clip captured the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. The video highlights pure puppy enthusiasm and joy, followed by an immediate need to recharge. Instead of sprinting down the path, the young pup is seen settled comfortably on the trail, leaning against his owner as if she’s his personal, portable sofa. According to his mom, this was Apollo’s “first little hike.” While the experience was a fun adventure with new scents, the actual walking distance was short. In fact, Apollo spent much of the time being carried. His mom noted that seeing him grow comfortable in nature, exploring and sniffing everything, was “such a beautiful treat.” It was more about experiencing the great outdoors in a positive way than achieving distance goals.

Your Dog's Craving Me-Time. Here's What That Looks Like.

Just like humans, our dogs need down time for themselves. And maybe with you nearby...

Tips for Socializing Your New Puppy

Bringing a new puppy home is exciting, but it also comes with an important responsibility: socialization. How your puppy interacts with people, other dogs, and the world around them in these early months can shape their behavior for life. Proper socialization helps prevent fear, aggression, and anxiety later on—and it makes your puppy a happier, more confident companion.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

What Is the 3-3-3 Rule for Adopted Dogs?

The 3-3-3 rule for adopted dogs is a simple process you can use to understand the needs of your rescue puppy or adult dog. It can help both you and your pet in many ways as you get to know each other at home.

About Privacy Terms Contact us Copyright Follow us © 2026 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved.