Proper Tank Maintenance

As mentioned earlier, proper maintenance is essential for a thriving aquarium. The newer your tank, the more important regular upkeep becomes. In a mature, well-established system, missing a cleaning here and there isn’t the end of the world—but early on, neglect can be disastrous. Remember: it’s far easier to maintain a tank than to recover a crashing one.

Aquarium keeping should be enjoyable. Yes, it's a responsibility, and yes, it requires some effort—but like any good hobby, the process can be just as rewarding as the outcome. With the right setup, maintenance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, many aquarists are surprised to find that saltwater tanks—despite their reputation—can actually require less maintenance than freshwater systems, often thanks to natural biological filtration from live rock.

Ultimately, you decide how much time and effort you're willing to invest. Doing your research ahead of time will help you choose the right setup for your lifestyle. Whether you dream of a full reef tank filled with corals, or just want a peaceful home for a Betta, this is a hobby you can grow with at your own pace.

Water Changes: How Much and How Often?

There’s no universal rule for water changes—but nearly every aquarium will require them. Unless you've managed to create a perfectly balanced, self-sustaining ecosystem (which is rare), water changes are necessary to replenish depleted minerals and remove built-up waste.

For most aquariums, a 10–25% weekly water change is ideal. This assumes reasonable stocking levels and proper feeding. Heavily stocked or overfed tanks may need up to 50% weekly, depending on how quickly nitrate levels rise. Regular testing will help you figure out what your specific tank needs.

Water changes also help remove detritus—fish poop, uneaten food, and decaying matter—which fuels ammonia and algae growth. If you can, use a gravel vacuum to clean the substrate while removing water. If your substrate is too fine or you have rooted plants, it's okay to leave some debris behind—especially if you have a cleanup crew like snails or shrimp to help process it.

When to Avoid Large Water Changes

Large water changes (over 50%) should be reserved for emergencies. Here’s why:

1. Water chemistry shock – The parameters of your tap water will rarely match your tank. Even small differences in pH, temperature, hardness, or mineral content can cause stress to fish if changes are too sudden.

2. Source water variability – In some areas, the tap water supply shifts between different sources throughout the year. These subtle changes can be stressful if you're replacing large amounts of water at once.

Use large water changes only when:

• Ammonia or nitrites exceed 2 ppm

• A known toxin is present, such as medication, cleaning chemicals, or an accidental overdose of food

It’s also important to avoid removing fish during cleaning. Not only is it stressful, but scrubbing down the whole tank can interrupt the microbial balance in the tank. Most importantly—never use soap. Even trace amounts can be deadly. Aquarium tools and equipment should be rinsed with clean water only.

Other Maintenance Tasks

Not everything in an aquarium runs on a schedule. Some maintenance is best done as needed:

• Filters may clog or slow down, especially if they’re overloaded with debris.

• Glass may develop algae film or mineral spots.

• Protein skimmers in saltwater tanks will need emptying when full.

The good news? If you’re regularly observing your tank (as most aquarists do), you’ll know when something needs attention. A sudden noise from the filter, a cloudy film on the glass, or slower water flow are all signs that it’s time for a quick tune-up.

Above all, resist the urge to do deep cleans or full teardowns unless absolutely necessary. Stability is key in aquarium ecosystems, and heavy-handed cleaning often does more harm than good.