As a proud aquarist, you naturally want your aquarium to always be in top condition! But how often should you actually clean the substrate? That's a good question, and I'm going to explain it in detail! I'll share my personal experiences and tips so you can easily maintain a beautiful and healthy aquarium.
If you want to vacuum your aquarium, do so once a month, but this isn't strictly necessary. You can also gently stir the gravel with your finger or a chopstick to remove any built-up gases, thus preventing the bacterial culture from being disturbed.
Tip: try not to stir too much to avoid spikes in ammonia or nitrite!
How do you clean the bottom of an aquarium without a vacuum cleaner?
Cleaning is important, but who says it always has to be done with a vacuum cleaner? In my own aquarium, which sometimes feels like a biotope teeming with life, I use alternatives to clear the substrate. A simple trick is to gently stir the substrate with a fork or chopstick. This helps remove hydrogen cyanide gas and accumulated substances without disrupting the entire substrate ecosystem. It gives me a good feeling to know I'm not being too invasive!
Why is there so much dirt on the bottom of my aquarium?
One of the biggest causes of debris on the bottom of your aquarium is the accumulation of organic matter, such as food waste and plant matter. This can be quite unhealthy for your aquarium and the fish living in it. You often see this debris collect in so-called "death spots"—places where the water flow is poor and debris accumulates. This is not only unhygienic but can also lead to an increase in unwanted bacteria and algae.
To effectively remove mulch, the organic waste, it's important to ensure good water flow. Consider adding some attractive aquatic plants or a pump that improves the flow in your aquarium. This will help minimize those annoying "death spots." Personally, I've found that healthy-growing plants are not only beautiful but also help keep the substrate clean! We sell various aquarium plants online, so it's definitely worth taking a look at our aquarium plant webshop >
You might also consider giving your fish a little less food. Too much food not only leads to unhealthy fish but also to harmful organic waste. It's a fine balance, but it helps keep your aquarium lid in balance. And remember, when I see excess debris on the bottom, it's always a sign for me to do a thorough check and, if necessary, clean it. It teaches you to keep a close eye on those recovery processes!
Finally, you can rearrange the aquarium. This ensures you don't obstruct the flow of water through the tank. We'd be happy to help you solve this problem. Register easily online for our aquarium service >
Do you have any questions or would you like to share your own experiences? Feel free to send us a message via WhatsApp > We'd love to hear from you!
