Deep Clean Your Divided Aquarium: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 05/03/2025

Owning a divided aquarium offers the unique advantage of housing different species or fostering separate environments within a single tank. This clever setup, however, necessitates a slightly more intricate cleaning routine than a standard aquarium. Maintaining water quality and hygiene in a divided tank is crucial for the health and well-being of your aquatic inhabitants, requiring a thorough and methodical approach. Neglecting proper cleaning can lead to bacterial build-up, algae blooms, and ultimately, compromised fish health.

Regular maintenance is key, but a deep clean is essential periodically to address more stubborn grime and ensure optimal conditions. This guide will help you navigate the complexities of a deep clean, offering a step-by-step process designed to thoroughly sanitize your divided aquarium without stressing its inhabitants. Let's dive into the detailed instructions to keep your divided aquarium sparkling clean and your fish thriving.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
Safety Guidelines
  • Always dechlorinate any water used for refills or water changes. Tap water contains chlorine and chloramine, which are toxic to fish.
  • Never clean the entire aquarium simultaneously. Remove and clean only one section at a time to maintain a stable environment for your fish and beneficial bacteria. Always have a temporary holding tank available if needed.
  • Before returning fish and decorations, ensure all cleaning agents are thoroughly rinsed off. Residue can be harmful to aquatic life.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare for Water Change

    • Set up the siphon to drain water. Attach it securely to a window or other drainage point.
    Set up the siphon to drain water. Attach it securely to a window or other drainage point.
    Prepare for Water Change

  2. Drain Tank Water

    • Start the siphon. If needed, briefly submerge and then lift the siphon to initiate the flow.
    • Remove 30-40% of the tank water (adjust depending on tank needs).
    Remove 30-40% of the tank water (adjust depending on tank needs).Remove 30-40% of the tank water (adjust depending on tank needs).
    Drain Tank Water

  3. Clean Substrate and Decorations

    • Siphon the substrate (gravel or sand) to remove debris and gas pockets. Pay special attention to areas that tend to accumulate waste.
    • Clean the tank walls and decorations with a tank-safe sponge to remove algae and other buildup.
    Clean the tank walls and decorations with a tank-safe sponge to remove algae and other buildup.Clean the tank walls and decorations with a tank-safe sponge to remove algae and other buildup.
    Clean Substrate and Decorations

  4. Add Root Tabs

    • Add root tabs to the substrate near the roots of root-feeding plants. Bury them deeply to prevent them from floating back up.
    Add root tabs to the substrate near the roots of root-feeding plants. Bury them deeply to prevent them from floating back up.
    Add Root Tabs

  5. Refill Tank

    • Carefully refill the tank with treated water, using your hand to shield the substrate from disturbance.

Read more: Setting Up a Multi-Betta Fish Tank: A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Use tank-safe sponges to avoid introducing chemicals into the water.
  • The amount of water change needed depends on tank stocking and maintenance.
  • Different plants have different nutrient needs. Root feeders benefit from root tabs, while stem plants may need water column fertilizers.
  • Prepare water conditioner in jugs beforehand for quicker refill process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring the filter media

Reason: Many neglect cleaning or replacing filter media, leading to reduced filtration efficiency and ammonia buildup.
Solution: Thoroughly rinse filter media in old aquarium water, replace a portion of the media regularly, or replace it entirely as needed.

2. Using tap water directly

Reason: Tap water contains chlorine and chloramine which are toxic to fish, leading to stress and illness.
Solution: Always use dechlorinated water, either through a conditioner or by letting tap water sit out for 24-48 hours.

3. Cleaning the entire aquarium at once

Reason: Removing all substrate and decorations creates an unstable environment, shocking the aquarium’s ecosystem.
Solution: Clean only a section of the aquarium at a time, allowing beneficial bacteria to remain.

FAQs

How often should I deep clean my divided aquarium?
The frequency depends on tank size, stocking levels, and filtration. A good rule of thumb is every 3-6 months, or when you notice significant algae growth or debris buildup. Partial water changes should be done weekly.
Do I need to remove all the fish and decorations during a deep clean?
It's best practice to remove fish temporarily to a separate container with properly aerated water. Decorations should be thoroughly cleaned separately, using aquarium-safe solutions.
What cleaning products are safe to use in my divided aquarium?
Avoid harsh chemicals! Use only aquarium-safe cleaners and dechlorinated water. A solution of water and vinegar can be effective for removing algae, but always rinse thoroughly before returning items to the tank.