Buy Maintenance Accessories for Fish in Rocky Mount

A healthy fish tank means healthy and happy fish. Barkley’s Pet Market in Rocky Mount, VA has all the tools and the devices to keep that tank in great shape. Our staff has the experience and knowledge to answer your questions about aquarium upkeep and help you choose the right items to make the job a breeze.

Anyone can maintain a tidy and healthy aquarium. It's not a tough task, but it does need routine attention and the best materials. There are daily and weekly tasks along with the critical job of tank cleaning with partial water modifications.

Everyday, after you feed your fish, remove uneaten food after about five minutes. Also, check your fish to ensure they are healthy and are acting normally. Lastly, it's important to check the water temperature. Every week, check the pH, nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia levels. If it's a saltwater tank, check the salinity. Also, take a look at equipment such as lights and filters to see that everything is functioning properly.

How frequently should you clean the tank? How much of the water do you need to replace? It depends on the dimension of the tank, the number of fish, and whether it's saltwater. Usually, you need to swap out 10-20% of the water every one to three weeks. 

Follow these steps in your normal cleaning:

Prepare replacement water. If you use tap water, use a water filter to remove toxins. For saltwater, you'll need special reverse osmosis/deionized water.

Unplug electrical components & remove large accessories.

Siphon water into a container. Siphon along the gravel to remove the waste that accumulates there. If you properly regulate the circulation with your thumb or a built-in regulator, waste will be sucked out and gravel will fall back into the tank.

Remove algae. Use an algae-cleaning tool to help.

Clean your filter. For filters such as a sponge, ceramic rings, and fiber, wash them in the water you removed and quickly reinstall} them to prevent losing important germs. Filters that contain carbon and various other absorbers will need to be regularly replaced.

Add the replacement water.

Clean your tank's exterior with a proper cleaner and fabric.

As you can see, the right devices and products are essential. Thankfully, Barkley’s Pet Market in Rocky Mount, VA understands what's needed and is your one-stop-shop for all your tank maintenance needs. Call (540) 483-2388 or stop by our store today!