Blog Category: Learning Community

Aquarium Maintenance Steps

Aquarium Maintenance Steps 7 min 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. 🤔 Start with Intention: Ask Yourself First Before rolling up your sleeves, ask: 🧽 Do I need to clean the filter today? 💧 How much water should I change this time? 🔍 Is there any buildup that could be affecting flow or water clarity? By starting with these simple questions, you’ll avoid overdoing it—and keep your fish stress-free. 🛠️ Your Maintenance Toolkit Checklist 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. 🛠️ Aquarium Maintenance Checklist ✅ Before Water Change Pre-Water Change Procedures 💡 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. ✅ During Water Change Water Change Process Summary https://thataquarium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/aquarium-maintenance-1.mp4 💡 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! 😅 ✅ After Water Change Post-Water Change Procedures 🧠 Recap: Key Takeaways ✅ 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 🗣️ Want a Printable Version? 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 🐡 Puffed up with knowledge? Give us a like and keep floating along! 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

Acclimating New Fishes to Their New Homes

Acclimatising Newly Procured Fishes 8 min The Right Way to Welcome New Swimmers: How long should I wait before adding fish to a new tank? Bringing home new fish is always exciting—it’s like adding new stars to your underwater world. But before you pop open the bag and let them dive in, let’s press pause for a moment. Dumping bagged fish directly into your tank might seem like the fastest way, but it’s actually the riskiest—for two big reasons: Why Rushing Is Risky: Disease TransmissionThe water in the bag might carry unwanted hitchhikers—like parasites or bacteria—that you don’t want in your tank. Stress from Sudden ChangeTemperature, pH, and transport stress can shock your fish, weaken their immune system, and cause long-term health issues. Before Acclimation: Set the Stage Step 0: Test Your Water First Always check the following parameters before adding new fish: 🧪 No test kit? No problem—bring 150ml of your water to our store, and we’ll test it for you free of charge. 💬 If you’re purchasing fish from our store, feel free to ask our staff for the pH of our tanks—we’re happy to share it to help you adjust your acclimation process. Pro Tip: Not sure what your tank pH is? Ask our staff what the pH is in our fish holding tanks—we’re happy to share this info to help you acclimate your fish properly. Step 0.5: Do a Pre-Acclimation Water Change Before starting the acclimation process, perform a 30% water change. This helps to: Dilute any toxin buildup from waste or decaying matter Refresh water chemistry Give your fish a clean slate to settle into CO₂ Users, Take Note CO₂ injection acidifies water, lowering the pH. If you’re introducing new fish right after a CO₂ dose, the drop in pH might shock or stress them. Here’s what to do: ⚠️ Sudden exposure to acidic water can prevent fish from adapting properly—even if your other parameters are perfect. Method 1: The Float-and-Pour Method (Step by Step) Here’s the safe and stress-free way to acclimate your fish: Step 1: Equalise Temperature Float the sealed bag in your aquarium for 30 minutes to match the water temperature. 🧠 Note: In tropical climates like Singapore, temperature differences are often minimal—but if your room is air-conditioned, don’t skip this step. A few degrees can make a big difference. https://thataquarium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/equalise-temperature.mp4 Step 2: Stabilise pH Gradually Gently untie the bag and fold it down to create a floating rim. Use a cloth peg to clip the bag to the tank edge so it stays in place. Every 5 minutes, add ¼ cup of tank water into the bag. Repeat this twice, over 15 minutes in total. https://thataquarium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/stabilise-pH.mp4 Step 3: Maintain Oxygen Levels While acclimating, it’s important to aerate the bag, especially if you have multiple fishes, or big fish or the bag was sealed for a long period. 💡 Pro Tip: Add a small airline with an air stone into the bag during acclimation to prevent oxygen depletion. https://thataquarium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/aerate-the-bag.mp4 Step 4: Release the Fish, Not the Water After about 20 minutes: Gently remove the bag from your tank Pinch the opening to keep the fish inside, then drain the bag water into a sink (not your tank!) Leave just enough water for the fish to stay wet Gently slide the fish into your tank / or net out the fish 🛑 Avoid pouring bag water into your aquarium—it may carry contaminants, especially if the fish came from a different system or environment. https://thataquarium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/release-the-fish.mp4 Method 2: The Drip Acclimation Method Best for sensitive, high-value, or wild-caught fish This method gives your fish a gentle, gradual introduction to their new water—ideal for species sensitive to pH swings, TDS, or temperature changes. What You Need: Airline tubing Flow control valve or adjustable air tap A clean bucket or container (fish-safe) A clip to secure tubing Optional: check valve or siphon starter Step-by-Step Drip Method: 1. Place the fish and bag water into a clean bucket (not directly into your tank) https://thataquarium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/drip-step-1.mp4 2. Secure one end of the airline tubing to your tank—ensure it stays submerged https://thataquarium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/drip-step-2.mp4 3. Suck on the other end of the tubing to start a siphon, then place it into the bucket https://thataquarium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/drip-step-3.mp4 4. Adjust the valve or knot the tubing to drip water at 1–2 drops per second https://thataquarium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/drip-step-4.mp4 5. Allow water to drip for 60 minutes, until the volume in the bucket doubles If the pail starts to overflow during the process, simply scoop out some water to make space—without interrupting the drip. https://thataquarium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/drip-step-5.mp4 6. Gently net the fish out of the bucket and place them into your tank https://thataquarium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/drip-step-6.mp4 7. Discard the bucket water—do not add it to your aquarium. Observe the livestock to ensure they are not showing signs of stress or unusual behavior. https://thataquarium.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/drip-step-7.mp4 💡 Pro Tip: For high-value species like Discus, Arowana, or wild-caught Tetras, this method significantly reduces shock and improves survival. 💡 Pro Tip: For larger fish or multiple fish, always add an air stone into the bucket or pail during acclimation to maintain adequate oxygen levels throughout the process. Method Comparison Table Optional but Highly Recommended: Use a Quarantine Tank Whenever possible, use a quarantine tank—a separate, smaller tank to observe new fish for 7–14 days before adding them to your main display. 🧠 Pro Tip: Even a basic tank with a sponge filter, heater, and hiding spots will do the job. Final Check: Final Check: Observe Their First Hour, Don’t Feed (Yet) Once your new fish are in their tank: Watch their behavior for the first hour Look for signs of natural swimming, exploration, and interaction Avoid feeding them immediately—give them time to settle in first Need Help with Acclimation Gear or Technique? Not sure which method suits your fish best? Need help setting up your first drip acclimation? Just swing by our store or send us a video of your setup—we’ll walk you through it and ensure your new fish have the best possible start. 👉 Next Up: Aquarium Maintenance