Order Brushes & Cleaners for Fish in Hardy

A healthy aquarium means healthy and happy fish. Barkley's Pet Market in Hardy, VA has all the tools and the devices to keep that tank in great shape. Our team has the experience and knowledge to answer your questions concerning fish tank maintenance and help you choose the best products to make the job a breeze.

Anybody can keep a tidy and healthy aquarium. It's not a difficult job, but it does need routine attention and the best products. There are daily and weekly tasks in addition to the critical job of tank cleaning with partial water changes.

Each day, after you feed your fish, remove uneaten food after about 5 minutes. Also, examine your fish to ensure they are healthy and are acting normally. Lastly, it's important to check the water temperature. Each week, check the pH, nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia levels. If it's a saltwater tank, check the salinity. Also, check out equipment such as lights and filters to see that everything is functioning correctly.

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

Follow these steps in your routine cleaning:

Prepare replacement water. If you use tap water, use a water filter to remove toxic substances. 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 manage 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 device 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 avoid losing important bacteria. Filters that contain carbon and other absorbers will need to be frequently replaced.

Add the replacement water.

Clean your tank's exterior with an appropriate cleaner and cloth.

As you can see, the best devices and products are crucial. Thankfully, Barkley's Pet Market in Hardy, VA understands what's required and is your one-stop-shop for all your tank maintenance needs. Call (540) 346-2277 or stop by our store today!