Get Brushes & Cleaners for Fish in Petaluma

A healthy fish tank means healthy and happy fish. Rivertown Feed & Pet Country Store in Petaluma, CA has all the tools and the devices to keep that tank in great shape. Our team has the experience and knowledge to answer your questions regarding aquarium upkeep and help you pick the right products to make the job a breeze.

Anyone can maintain a clean and healthy fish tank. It's not a challenging job, but it does require regular focus and the best materials. There are daily and weekly jobs along with the essential job of tank cleaning with partial water adjustments.

Every day, after you feed your fish, remove uneaten food after about 5 minutes. Also, inspect your fish to ensure they are healthy and are behaving normally. Lastly, it's important to check the water temperature. Each week, check the pH, nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia levels. If it's a saltwater tank, check the salinity. Also, look at equipment such as lights and filters to see that everything is functioning effectively.

How often should you clean the tank? How much of the water do you need to replace? It depends on the size of the tank, the number of fish, and whether it's saltwater. Normally, you need to swap out 10-20% of the water every one to three weeks. 

Follow these steps in your routine cleaning:

Prepare replacement water. If you use tap water, use a water filter to get rid of contaminants. For saltwater, you'll need special reverse osmosis/deionized water.

Unplug electrical components & remove large accessories.

Siphon water into a container. Siphon along the gravel to remove the waste that accumulates there. If you effectively manage the circulation with your thumb or a built-in regulator, waste will be sucked out and gravel will fall back into the tank.

Remove algae. Use an algae-cleaning tool to help.

Clean your filter. For filters such as a sponge, ceramic rings, and fiber, wash them in the water you removed and quickly reinstall} them to avoid losing important microorganisms. Filters that contain carbon and various other absorbers will need to be regularly replaced.

Add the replacement water.

Clean your tank's outside with an appropriate cleaner and cloth.

As you can see, the best devices and products are crucial. Thankfully, Rivertown Feed & Pet Country Store in Petaluma, CA understands what's required and is your one-stop-shop for all your tank maintenance needs. Call (707) 762-4505 or stop by our store today!