Freshwater aquarium maintenance is important though it's quite tedious and involves delicate procedures, maintaining its cleanliness is necessary for fishes to live longer. Fish like other pets do need a healthy and clean surrounding to live with. It is not enough that you have a goal of keeping an aquarium and yet you are not able to clean it regularly.  A fish tank can get dirty over time because of some reasons such as accumulated waste materials, algae and other things like leftover foods. It's always nice to see a clean aquarium not necessarily to be as sparkling one but clean enough for fishes to stay healthy and promote good hygiene in the whole aquarium area. This cleaning task can be difficult at once especially for beginners but it can be fun and fulfilling in the long run.  You will truly appreciate its effect after it has been cleaned to make it easier for you here are some helpful tips to follow how to maintain aquarium cleanliness:

Change water at regular intervals
Water inside the aquarium must be checked from time to time to determine if there is a need of re cleaning. Cleaning the aquarium requires a certain level of care so that everything goes well. The first thing to do is remove old water from the tank and transfer fishes from the main tank to the hospital tank for a while. All other objects can be removed as well for the main time to facilitate easier and faster cleaning.

Remove algae and excess dirt
Removing stubborn algae and dirt in the main tank can be easier if there is a routine cleaning done at regular intervals. This may take longer when the aquarium is not properly cleaned up previously.  Remove first everything inside the aquarium and start cleaning dirt, it is suggested to use soft sponge especially if you are using acrylic tank so as not to scratch aquarium surface. Algae pads can be used to clean other types of aquarium.

Replace or clean filters
It is better to replace used filters than just cleaning them over and over again. Filters that are cleaned two to three times are advised to be replaced to maximize saving and efficiency. Avoid using detergents or soaps when cleaning aquarium filters because soaps and detergents may contain harmful ingredients that can affect the fishes inside.

Clean other aquarium decors
Clean everything inside the aquarium like small corals and shells. Never use soap or detergents to clean these small articles, soap residue may stay within the area and it may cause harmful damage to your fish. Instead soaked them in warm water mixed with a right amount of salt for a few minutes. After soaking clean excess dirt by scrubbing them with a sponge.

Water Replacement
Replace water after cleaning the tank and other articles inside the aquarium. When everything is clean water must be changed as well otherwise it is still the same dirty surrounding for the fish. Check the pH level of the tap water before filling your aquarium. Regulate the toxicity levels then transfer the fishes and other aquatic plants back into the main tank. Then your aquarium will have a fresh clean look for the next days to come.

Indeed it is good to see a clean and tidy aquarium but please be reminded that cleaning it too often is not advisable also. Since you will be transferring fishes from tank to another, there are tendencies for the fishes to become uneasy and stressed out. A regular cleaning interval is recommended, proper cleaning procedures and extra caution should be done in order to create a healthier, safer and cleaner fish aquarium surrounding.

For more great information on freshwater aquarium maintenance and other freshwater aquarium keeping articles.