Shop Water Pumps & Powerheads for Fish in Hardy

A healthy fish tank 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 staff has the experience and expertise to answer your questions about fish tank maintenance and help you choose the right items to make the job a breeze.

Anybody can keep a tidy and healthy fish tank. It's not a difficult job, but it does require routine attention and the right products. There are daily and weekly jobs in addition to the crucial job of tank cleaning with partial water changes.

Each day, after you feed your fish, remove uneaten food after about five minutes. Also, examine your fish to ensure they are healthy and are behaving 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, check out equipment such as lights and filters to see that everything is functioning effectively.

How frequently should you clean the tank? How much of the water do you need to change? It depends on the dimension of the tank, the number 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 contaminants. 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 builds up there. If you correctly 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, rinse them in the water you removed and quickly reinstall} them to prevent losing crucial microorganisms. Filters that contain carbon and various other absorbers will need to be regularly replaced.

Add the replacement water.

Clean your tank's outside with an appropriate cleaner and towel.

As you can see, the right devices and products are critical. 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!