AQUARIUM as stress prevention! (#3)

This is the vital part of having an aquarium. I guess you had time to read the part 1 & part 2 before concentrating about the third part which is CLEANING. The challenge for me is this part because it will really detect your ability to have an aquarium. Cleaning is the hardest and the most fulfilling part coz it will help you to develop more patience and be able to work-out your stress problem. Having a hobby aquarium needs at least 60 to 90 minutes of your time to clean every single part of it. (**photo courtesy of Flickr)

What are the things needed to clean?

• old toothbrush
• pail
• dipper
• roll paper
• old newspaper
  

Steps on how to clean your aquarium:

• Use an old newspaper to cover the floor to avoid dirt while cleaning.
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• Unplug everything that give electricity to avoid accident.
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• Uncover the aquarium.

• Get the empty clean pail, be sure it is really clean, wash thoroughly to avoid death of fish. Start reducing the water inside the aquarium using the dipper. Stop when it is halfway.

• Remove all the things inside excluding the stone or sand and fishes.

• Clean the inside part of the glass using old toothbrush and wipe it with roll paper.
  

• Reduce again the water until it is only 2 inches above the stone or sand. Check the lowest side of the glass if it is really clean. Use again the tooth brush to get rid of all the dirt.
  

• Get at least half of the sand(only sand or stone) and quickly wash it(just plain water!) until it shows to be really clear and clean.
  

• Return all the stone or sand, be careful not to hurt your fish.

• Pour water until the original height has been reached.

• Add again your liquid solution that will make the water suitable for the fish.

• Go back to all the gadgets including decor, plastic plants etc. Clean it thoroughly. Give importance to your filter machine. It should be really clean!

• Place all the gadgets, decor including the filter and heater in its proper place.

• Clean the cover of the aquarium using the roll paper again. Place it to its proper position.

• Plug all the electric parts of the aquarium like lights, heater and filter.
  

Easy!? Definitely not! But do not worry, it is a matter of experience and patience. Once you love it and admit to yourself that it is a part of your life then everything will be EASY!

Do not use any liquid solution in cleaning. JUST PLAIN WATER!!!