Buy Maintenance Accessories for Fish in Lakewood

A healthy aquarium means healthy and happy fish. Pet's General Store in Lakewood, OH 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 regarding aquarium upkeep and help you choose the right items to make the job a breeze.

Anyone can keep a clean and healthy fish tank. It's not a difficult task, but it does call for regular attention and the right materials. There are daily and weekly jobs along with the vital job of tank cleaning with partial water modifications.

Everyday, after you feed your fish, remove uneaten food after about 5 minutes. Also, check 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 working properly.

How often 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. Generally, 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 eliminate 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 builds up there. If you effectively 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, rinse them in the water you removed and quickly reinstall} them to avoid losing important microorganisms. Filters that contain carbon and other absorbers will need to be frequently replaced.

Add the replacement water.

Clean your tank's outside with a proper cleaner and cloth.

As you can see, the right devices and products are essential. Thankfully, Pet's General Store in Lakewood, OH understands what's required and is your one-stop-shop for all your tank maintenance needs. Call (216) 226-0886 or stop by our store today!