6-07-2021, 20:57
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HOW TO CLEAN AN AQUARIUM WITH VINEGAR



There is nothing more satisfying than looking at your aquarium through crystal-clear glass. We will tell you how you can easily remove algae or limescale stains that significantly spoil the appearance of the aquarium.

Cleaning with vinegar is a cheap and extremely effective way to remove stubborn algae and water spots from aquarium glass, decoration and even plants.


Green algae

Most algae are soft and easy to remove by simply rubbing gently with a sponge. However, algae in the form of green spots on the glass are much harder to get rid of, as they form hard spots that, like superglue, stick to the aquarium glass, decorations and even plants.

Stains from hard water

Hard water stains occur due to minerals (calcium) contained in the water. When the water evaporates, the minerals remain, leaving behind a white deposit on the glass. The same mineral deposits can also coat non-immersed filter equipment. Vinegar can get rid of these stains quickly and easily!

Hard water stains on aquarium glass

And that's not all!

Using the right ratio of vinegar to water to clean your aquarium means you can also use it to disinfect your filtration system without harming the beneficial bacteria or fish. Vinegar will safely remove the most stubborn stains

So, if you want a cheap, safe and effective solution for cleaning your aquarium, read on!

What you will need

Before you start, you'll need to assemble the following kit:

  • Vinegar
  • 2 clean sponges
  • Table salt
  • Scraper or an old razor
  • Hose
  • Old toothbrush
  • Magnetic cleaner

Aquarium cleaning kit

How to do it

You can use the same technique, described below, to clean an aquarium with or without fish.

Step 1 - Deep cleaning of the aquarium

You can use this method for glass and acrylic aquariums. However, be very careful when removing heavy stains from plastic or acrylic aquariums so as not to scratch their surfaces.

1. Drain the water from the aquarium.

Start by emptying the aquarium. Transfer the fish to a separate tank, remove plants and decorations, and then empty the aquarium completely.

2. Dilute the stains with water.

Dampen a sponge with tap water and wipe the inside and outside of the aquarium with it. The idea is to loosen and remove some of the algae and loosen the calcium deposits. Use the sponge carefully so as not to scratch the surface, especially if you have an acrylic aquarium.

3. apply table salt.

Take the same sponge, moisten it and add a little table salt to it. Wipe the entire aquarium again, paying particular attention to stubborn stains.

Leave the salt for a few minutes, but do not let it dry completely.

Baking salt for aquarium cleaning.

4. Rinse the aquarium.

At this stage, it is best to put the aquarium in a tub next to the tap.

Connect a hose to the faucet and rinse the aquarium thoroughly.

5. Scrape off stubborn stains.

Skip this step if you have an acrylic or plastic aquarium.

Use a razor blade to gently scrape hard algae and calcium deposits off the glass.

6. Clean the aquarium with vinegar.

Prepare a solution of 1 part tap water and 1 part vinegar. Pour the solution onto a clean sponge and wipe the entire aquarium with it until the remaining algae and calcium stains are gone.

Do not forget to clean the glass from the outside as well.

7. Rinse the aquarium thoroughly.

Finally, rinse the aquarium thoroughly with clean tap water. Allow it to dry completely.


Step 2 - Clean decorations, plants and peripherals

Now proceed with cleaning the plants, decoration and filter equipment, if necessary. When you are finished, remember to rinse everything thoroughly with clean tap water.

1. clean the plants

To remove heavy build-up of algae from the live plants, prepare a solution of vinegar and water at a ratio of 1 part tap water to 1 part vinegar and immerse the plants in it for 4-5 minutes (no more).


2. Rinse the plants.

Rinse the plants thoroughly under running water to remove loose algae and the vinegar solution.

3. cleaning the decoration and the substrate

To clean the resin decorations, gravel and stones, place them in a bucket containing a solution of water and vinegar at a ratio of 1 part tap water to 1 part vinegar for 10 minutes.

4. Remove stubborn stains.

Rinse the jewellery under clean running water.

Use an old toothbrush to get rid of stubborn algae stains. You may need to dip the toothbrush into undiluted vinegar at this stage to remove stubborn stains.

Use an old toothbrush to get rid of stubborn algae stains.

5. Clean filters, aquarium lids etc.

Use a solution of water and vinegar at a ratio of 1 part tap water to 1 part vinegar and a sponge to gently wipe off hard water stains from all peripheral aquarium equipment, including filter housings, covers, etc.

To clean and disinfect the filter unit, remove the filter media and place it in a small container of water. Disassemble the unit and immerse it in a solution of water and vinegar at a ratio of 1 part tap water to 1 part vinegar for 10 minutes.

Rinse all the filter element parts thoroughly in clean running water. Reassemble the unit and replace the filter media.


Cleaning the aquarium without removing the fish

You can use vinegar to remove algae from the inside walls of the aquarium without disturbing the fish.

Simply take a magnetic aquarium scraper and pour some vinegar onto its cleaning side.

Now gently wipe the algae-covered areas with the magnetic cleaner until the green spots disappear.

Magnetic scraper for cleaning the insides of aquarium panes.

Conclusion

Do not fill the aquarium with hard water and do not allow green algae to develop. This ensures that the aquarium remains clean and is a joy to look at.

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