When it comes to aquariums, cleaning is not exactly the most exciting of tasks. But it has to be done if you want your fish to stay happy and healthy. Luckily for you, we’ve got some great tips on how to clean acrylic aquariums that will make this task a breeze!
This post provides readers with some helpful information on how they can clean their acrylic aquarium without too much hassle or time commitment. The author also provides links that allow readers to get more detailed instructions regarding specific topics mentioned in the blog post intro paragraph.
Why Clean Acrylic Aquarium
The fact is, aquariums require routine maintenance in order to function properly. First, fish tanks need to be cleaned so the water remains clean and clear at all times, which positively affects your fish’s health. If you have an acrylic aquarium, it is even more important than getting a thorough cleaning every once in a while inside the tank. Acrylic is a relatively porous material, meaning that bits and pieces of food and other debris can easily get stuck inside the tank. If you take a look at your aquarium’s filter after a few months of neglecting to clean it, you’ll understand why it’s important to stay on top of this task!
What You Will Need
The materials you will need to clean your aquarium are relatively simple. To get started, make sure you have the following items ready:
- Your household cleaner of choice (more on this later)
- A clean cloth or paper towel
- Toothpicks, q-tips, or pipe cleaners for cleaning hard-to-reach spots
- An old toothbrush
- A bucket of warm water
- Your aquarium vacuum cleaner (make sure it’s not plugged in or turned on while you are carrying it)
Methods on How To Clean Acrylic Aquarium
Method 1:
Empty half of the water from the tank and place the fish in a separate container filled with clean, dechlorinated water. Fill up your aquarium halfway with warm water and add some household cleaner (such as dish soap or a degreasing dish detergent). Swish the water around gently for a few minutes until the inside of the tank is coated with soap.
Remove all décor and decorations from your aquarium and place them in a separate, clean bucket filled with warm water and cleaner to soak. Move any gravel or substrate into this same bucket so you can use it to scrub the tank later.
Fill your aquarium bucket with warm water and some cleaner, then place all décor items from your aquarium into it so you can clean them thoroughly.
Use an old toothbrush combined with a pipe cleaner or q-tip to get into hard-to-reach spots in your acrylic tank that need special attention.
When you have finished scrubbing the inside of your tank, turn off the water and let it sit for a few minutes. You can then dump out the soapy water and rinse the tank several times with clean, warm water until all of the soap is gone from the aquarium.
Method 2:
If you want to skip Step 1 of Method 1, fill your aquarium halfway with warm water and add some household cleaner to it. Place all décor items from the tank into a separate bucket filled with warm water and cleaner. Fill your bucket half-full of hot water and one tablespoon of vinegar or bleach. Once you have done this, pick up décor items individually by their bases (not by the glass, as this may cause the item to slip out of your grasp) and scrub them with an old toothbrush.
Rinse each piece several times in clean, warm water before putting it back in the tank. Clean and scrub all décor items this way before moving on to your aquarium’s glass walls and silicone sealant. If you use bleach or another harsh cleaner, make sure to rinse your tank several times with clean water afterward until there is no vinegar/bleach smell leftover.
Method 3:
Now that you have your tank’s décor items clean, it’s time to scrub the glass walls of your aquarium. Fill your bucket halfway with warm water and add some cleaner. Dip a cloth or paper towel into the soapy water until it is thoroughly saturated. Scrub the inside of the tank with this wet cloth/towel until all dirt and debris are removed.
When you are finished scrubbing the glass, empty the bucket of dirty water and refill it with clean, warm water. Dip your cloth/towel into this second bucket until it is saturated with soapy water once more. Scrub any remaining dirt off of the silicone sealant on the inside of your aquarium with this second cloth/towel.
Empty the dirty water from your tank once more and wipe the inside dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Make sure to completely remove all moisture from between the glass panels before moving on.
Method 4:
Fill your bucket half-full of hot water and one tablespoon of vinegar or bleach. Once you have done this, pick up each décor item by its base (not by the glass) and scrub it with an old toothbrush. Rinse each piece several times in clean, warm water before putting it back into the tank. Clean and scrub all décor items this way before moving on to your tank’s glass panels and silicone sealant.
Empty the dirty water from your aquarium and rinse the inside thoroughly with clean, warm water. You can then dry off your tank with a paper towel or cloth before returning it to its stand (or adding new gravel/decorations if you are setting up your tank for the first time).
If you use bleach or another harsh cleaner, make sure to rinse your tank several times with clean water afterward until there is no vinegar/bleach smell leftover.
You can check it to Remove Tannins From Aquarium .
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Remove Algae From Acrylic?
Algae is a type of green algae that can grow rapidly on acrylic windows. Algae cause temporary blindness and breathing difficulties in people who are especially sensitive to its toxic effects. You can remove algae from acrylic by using an algal control product or treatment, followed by a degreaser. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and use appropriate safety equipment when cleaning your window.
What Can I Use to Clean Acrylic?
There are a few different ways to clean acrylic – some are harsher than others. Here are a few of the most popular:
1. Bleach – Bleach is a harsh cleaning agent that can remove most stains and dirt from acrylic surfaces. It is not recommended for use on glass or other delicate surfaces.
2. Vinegar – Vinegar is a milder cleaning agent that can be used to remove dirt, dust, and stains from acrylic surfaces. It is also effective at removing grease and oil from surfaces.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide – Hydrogen peroxide is a highly effective cleaning agent that can remove most stains and dirt from acrylic surfaces. It is also effective at clearing grease and oil from surfaces. Be sure to use caution when using hydrogen peroxide – it can be harmful if applied in excessive quantities or if it gets into your eyes.
How Do You Clean Algae From an Acrylic Aquarium?
Algae can appear on any surface inside an aquarium, including the bottom glass and acrylic sections. If this alga is not removed regularly, it can start to produce toxins that will contaminate your fish and water column.
There are a few different ways to clean algae off of acrylic aquaria:
Using a calcium/magnesium supplement: This approach takes advantage of the natural chemistry that these supplements contain in order for them to work. These supplements bind with minerals found in excess on the algae, which then helps remove it from the surface. However, be aware that most calcium-based cleaners will also suck up dirt and other debris along with the algae, so make sure you thoroughly rinse everything down after use.
How Do I Make My Acrylic Fish Tank Clear Again?
Acrylic fish tanks can become cloudy over time as a result of residues built up from water and substrate. To clean your acrylic fish tank, start by soaking the entire tank in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 8 parts water. Let it soak for several hours or overnight, then drain and rinse well. Next, fill the tank with fresh water and add enough baking soda to make a thick paste. Swish around the inside of the tank for about 10 minutes, then pour out the mixture and empty any excess baking soda into a waste bin. Finally, dry off the outside of the aquarium with a towel before re-installing your plants!
Conclusion
The process on how to clean acrylic aquarium is not difficult, but it does require some special care. First, make sure to use a non-toxic cleaner that won’t harm the fish or any other living creatures in the tank. After you’ve cleaned all surfaces with your chosen solution, rinse everything off and let dry before filling back up with water. If you have delicate decorations on the inside walls of your tank, make sure they’re firmly attached, so they don’t get damaged when wet!
You may also read – How to level a fish tank on carpet
