Shop Air Pumps & Air Stones for Fish in Salt Lake City

A healthy fish tank means healthy and happy fish. NextPaw in Salt Lake City, UT 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 fish tank maintenance and help you pick the right products to make the task a breeze.

Anybody can keep a tidy and healthy fish tank. It's not a tough job, but it does call for regular attention and the best products. There are daily and weekly jobs along with the vital job of tank cleaning with partial water adjustments.

Each day, after you feed your fish, remove uneaten food after about five minutes. Also, examine your fish to ensure they are healthy and are acting normally. Lastly, it's important to check the water temperature. Every 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 working properly.

How often should you clean the tank? How much of the water do you need to replace? It depends on the dimension of the tank, the variety 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 regular cleaning:

Prepare replacement water. If you use tap water, use a water filter to get rid of toxins. 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 builds up there. If you correctly regulate 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 prevent losing important germs. Filters that contain carbon and various other absorbers will need to be frequently replaced.

Add the replacement water.

Clean your tank's outside with a proper cleaner and cloth.

As you can see, the right devices and products are critical. Luckily, NextPaw in Salt Lake City, UT understands what's required and is your one-stop-shop for all your tank maintenance needs. Call (970) 261-4186 or stop by our store today!