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This is for the newbies. Everyone does it different, so will you. My tank is a 125 gallon planted. I change 50% of my water every week. 30% minimum is what's recommended. This takes me 1.5 hours.
Step 1) get your cleaning equipment out. For me that includes the aqueon water changer, a clean wash cloth, a clean towel,an old breeder net, and an empty bio-bag.
I put a cup under the output of the aqueon so it don't splash all over the counter and floor.
the bio-bag. Its just the shell of a tetra filter cartage. Aka media. This I use to remove green spot algae. It works great without scratching the glass.
The wash cloth ,I use to wipe the bio-film. Your water could be crystal clear but look cloudy due to bio-film build up. Note: these are bought new and simply washed in hot water, don't use soap. Of course my tank towels and wash cloths are only used for the tank.
Tip: when your hands are in the tank keep a dry towel handy to dry off ,or you'll have water dripping on the glass, stand and floor.
This is an old breeder net. I use it to cover the gravel vacuum so no fish get sucked up.
Step 2.
Shut down everything but your lights. Get the aqueon sucking some water.
I pick up fish poop or any other debris on top of the sand. For those with a gravel substrate dig that thing in the gravel to get that stuff. With a sand substrate this part doesn't take long.
Step 3) Cover the end of the siphon with that net. A rubber band works to hold it on.
Step 4) While the tank is draining, is the time to wipe your glass and scrub your algae.
Step 5) go sit and relax for a half hour while your tank drains.
I marked my 50% line with a Sharpie. You don't need to do this, but I'm a bit OCD with my tanks
Step 6) Start filling your tank, when it hits the mark. Remember to fill with water temperature matching the tank. Within 3 degrees or so is fine.
Dose prime for the full volume of the tank. This will remove chlorine, neutralize heavy metals, as well as make ammonia nitrite and nitrate safer for your fish. Ammonia may be stirred up due to gravel vacuuming.
Step 7) Now that the tank is full, turn heaters and filters back on. Check your filters the media may need rinsing.
Step 8)
For the outside glass. Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the glass. There's too much of a chance of it getting in the tank. Spray the paper towel first then wipe the glass.
I hope this helps. If there is any questions , just ask.
Step 1) get your cleaning equipment out. For me that includes the aqueon water changer, a clean wash cloth, a clean towel,an old breeder net, and an empty bio-bag.
I put a cup under the output of the aqueon so it don't splash all over the counter and floor.
the bio-bag. Its just the shell of a tetra filter cartage. Aka media. This I use to remove green spot algae. It works great without scratching the glass.
The wash cloth ,I use to wipe the bio-film. Your water could be crystal clear but look cloudy due to bio-film build up. Note: these are bought new and simply washed in hot water, don't use soap. Of course my tank towels and wash cloths are only used for the tank.
Tip: when your hands are in the tank keep a dry towel handy to dry off ,or you'll have water dripping on the glass, stand and floor.
This is an old breeder net. I use it to cover the gravel vacuum so no fish get sucked up.
Step 2.
Shut down everything but your lights. Get the aqueon sucking some water.
I pick up fish poop or any other debris on top of the sand. For those with a gravel substrate dig that thing in the gravel to get that stuff. With a sand substrate this part doesn't take long.
Step 3) Cover the end of the siphon with that net. A rubber band works to hold it on.
Step 4) While the tank is draining, is the time to wipe your glass and scrub your algae.
Step 5) go sit and relax for a half hour while your tank drains.
I marked my 50% line with a Sharpie. You don't need to do this, but I'm a bit OCD with my tanks
Step 6) Start filling your tank, when it hits the mark. Remember to fill with water temperature matching the tank. Within 3 degrees or so is fine.
Dose prime for the full volume of the tank. This will remove chlorine, neutralize heavy metals, as well as make ammonia nitrite and nitrate safer for your fish. Ammonia may be stirred up due to gravel vacuuming.
Step 7) Now that the tank is full, turn heaters and filters back on. Check your filters the media may need rinsing.
Step 8)
For the outside glass. Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the glass. There's too much of a chance of it getting in the tank. Spray the paper towel first then wipe the glass.
I hope this helps. If there is any questions , just ask.
