Menu
Clean Smart, Not Just Often: How often should I clean my aquarium?
Let’s be honest—maintenance isn’t the most glamorous part of the hobby. But here’s the thing: consistent, intentional care is what turns a tank from just surviving to thriving.
Good maintenance isn’t just about cleaning. It’s about knowing what to clean, when to clean, and most importantly, why you’re doing it. Let’s break it down.
Before rolling up your sleeves, ask:
By starting with these simple questions, you’ll avoid overdoing it—and keep your fish stress-free.
Prepare everything before you begin, so the process is smooth:
💡 Pro Tip: Never start without your anti-chlorine and beneficial bacteria—these are your tank’s invisible protectors.
💡 Pro Tip: Always switch off your heater before changing water to avoid glass cracking when exposed to air. If your water change will drop the level below your filter inlet, turn off the filter too to prevent damage. And don’t forget—CO₂ should be turned off at least 2 hours before and after to avoid pH swings that stress fish.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re using a heater, you may choose to switch it off at least 3 hours before the water change to allow the water to cool slightly and stabilize.
If the heater was recently on and you didn’t switch it off early, it’s best to limit your water change to no more than 30%to prevent sudden temperature drops that could stress or shock your fish.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re using a hose directly from your tap, always add anti-chlorine into the tank first, and monitor the water level closely. Never walk away during a refill—even a few minutes of distraction can lead to overflows and soggy regrets! 😅
✅ Always approach tank cleaning with a clear plan and purpose
✅ Check your water parameters first (pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) before deciding how much water to change
✅ Never clean everything at once—stagger filter maintenance to preserve beneficial bacteria
✅ Avoid over-cleaning bio media—only rinse if clogged or breaking down
✅ Switch off your heater before water changes—to prevent glass cracking
✅ If using a direct tap refill system, always add anti-chlorine first before topping up water
✅ Keep essential tools ready: algae scraper, siphon, filter floss, bacteria, anti-chlorine
✅ Do not remove your fish during water changes—it causes unnecessary stress
✅ After your water change, remember to turn back on all equipment—filter, CO₂ (if any), heater, air pumps
✅ Stick to the Quick Guide Water Changing Habits for consistent, safe maintenance
Need a printed version to pin near your tank? Click here to download the link for PDF version of Quick Guide Water Changing Habits
📸 Not sure about your setup? Just take a photo or video of your tank and show it to any of our retail staff—we’ll be happy to assist you with step-by-step guidance and personalized advice!
👉 Next Up: Feeding
Proudly presented by our That Aquarium Digital Team, where innovation meets aquatic excellence.
Published on 13 June 2025
Author: Kelvin Phua
Illustrator(s): Chai Minyu, Abbie Tan
At That Aquarium, we believe that exceptional CARE is the foundation of our success. We are committed to treating each customer and every aquatic life with genuine compassion and respect. Our dedication goes beyond providing quality products and services; we strive to create a nurturing environment that delivers a therapeutic experience for our customers, our aquatic life, and our team. Guided by principles of integrity, forward-thinking mindset, and continuous improvement, we aim to foster a harmonious and supportive atmosphere. Our focus is on ensuring that every interaction reflects our dedication to excellence and our care for both our people and our community.
That Aquarium