Beginners Guide to The Aquarium Hobby Part 5: How to Clean a Fish Tank!

Hello Fellow Fish Keepers!
In this video we provide comprehensive instructions as to how to clean an aquarium.
Here is the Amazon Affiliate link for Fritz Complete Water Conditioner: amzn.to/3vCjY7G
Here is the Amazon Affiliate link for Bulk Filter Floss: amzn.to/3c7RyL8
If you haven't seen the other parts of the beginners series check out these videos:
Part 1: What to Think About Before Buying an Aquarium: • Beginners Guide to The...
Part 2: What You Need For an Aquarium: • Beginners Guide to The...
Part 3: How to Set-up an Aquarium: • Beginners Guide to The...
Part 4: How to Acclimate New Fish: • Beginners Guide to The...
Here's how to keep a tank algae free: • How to Keep Aquarium G...
Here's how to clean sponge filters: • How to Clean Sponge Fi...
Here's more information about the nitrogen cycle: • The Nitrogen Cycle - F...
Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch
For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics
For more cool behind the scenes stuff consider becoming a member!
/ @primetimeaquatics
If you want to see all the cool stuff Joanna does with other types of scapes check out her channel!
/ @thesmallscape
We would like to thank our channel sponsors for 2021: Flip Aquatics and Fritz Aquatics. For 2021 our fish are being fed Northfin Foods from flipaquatics.com! They help make what we do here possible and are worth checking out!
Thank you so much for watching!
#aquariums #aquariumfish #fishtank

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Here is the Amazon Affiliate link for Fritz Complete Water Conditioner: amzn.to/3vCjY7G Here is the Amazon Affiliate link for Bulk Filter Floss: amzn.to/3c7RyL8 If you haven't seen the other parts of the beginners series check out these videos: Part 1: What to Think About Before Buying an Aquarium: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZDQdWmGlLqDnKM Part 2: What You Need For an Aquarium: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYSblYSqrLaXsNk Part 3: How to Set-up an Aquarium: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3yTZYKieLSUe8k Part 4: How to Acclimate New Fish: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6Gco56Vmc2omac Here's how to keep a tank algae free: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKK3hqJ3YsiapaM Here's how to clean sponge filters: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKGXapual8Zjm7s Here's more information about the nitrogen cycle: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnfTf2etjcygnKs Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics For more cool behind the scenes stuff consider becoming a member! kzbin.info/door/YVN7EN0ALL6CE4U7NpMUTAjoin If you want to see all the cool stuff Joanna does with other types of scapes check out her channel! kzbin.info/door/PEZk1MpOTGiBVh6BtWjlRg

[@kennethbroadbent9436]

Just restarting keeping my fishtank and I never had anybody to show how to do it. Thanks to utube..I am 76year old. And I live in the England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿. Just goes to show you are never to old to start again. Thank you .bye the way I started this hobby 50 years ago then i discovered girls and that was the end of my fish keeping. Thank you

[@Brensters63]

Hahaha! I love your post!

[@mattkinsella9856]

Just got done cleaning 2 of my tanks and then sat down to see this 🙂 Even though I'm far from a beginner, I still love to watch all your videos. Thanks for the regular content, it's really appreciated.

[@filmicessence1923]

I’m not a “nobbie” anymore and you help me to become a more experience aquarium keeper (plus i did a tone of experiments in my second 10g tank lol) but still I keep watching your videos! I’m even looking to start studying to become a microbiologist! I lost my path in science when I came to the US but you inspired me to come back! Thanks for that! and you video is amazing! 😃😃

[@stefanzzz6778]

I kept tropicals many years ago when I was a teen/ early 20s. Abs loved my fish, but I had to give it up as I kept moving too much. My kids are just starting their own betta tanks now and the love of just staring at the fish is coming back. Your vids are very good. Thank you very much.

[@Matthew_Does_To_Many_Things]

I wish I could have a awesome basement like you guys!

[@jefffleet9546]

Great idea to help new beginners Jason and Joanna . Happy Monday to you both

[@keepamerica2astrong280]

You guys make a great team ! Love your vids...

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

I just have to give kudos to your lovely assistant 😆🙌 You guys are so wonderful!! This is been a great series especially to share with others!! I hope that it will inspire people to come into the hobby and give keeping fish and Aquariums a try!! Thank you for all you do I hope y'all are having a wonderful week!!🙏💚🌿🐟🌿

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you - ya, she did pretty good. :-)

[@debd4284]

Lol!! Loved the "extra" reel at the end. Love your humor!!!

[@bonnieeden228]

Great video Joanna & Jason. Thank you!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! :-)

[@joshszooofanimals5416]

Great video and information 😁👍 always important to have extra supplies on hand just in case 😀 I Setup a native fish aquarium uploaded the video this morning 🥳

[@physicsariel9237]

I’ve been keeping fish for over 5 years now but it’s still nice watching you two explain water change methods. Great job guys

[@chinoromero331]

im a new fish keeper, and it helps me a lot!! thanks guys

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear!

[@sergeiz.5815]

This is awesome 😊👍

[@jessebelle6596]

Ahhh! How did I miss this video?!? You guys, this is SOOO HELPFUL!! I absolutely love this! Thank you for taking the time to put this video together! You can never give too many cleaning tips! Great job! ❤️

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@shesellsfish]

The end add on cracked me up...you guys rock these videos. 👍💓👍

[@CC-wy1yb]

Omg love your video. Thank you so much.

[@snoopdogg734]

Cleaning aquariums and maintenance in general is a very relaxing part of the hobby in my opinion, great video as always. ..have a great day fish nerds!

[@kendracrippen]

Still a good watch even though I no longer need this information but that's only because of you two and other great FishTubers like y'all.

[@Davidsmithisyourdad]

Awesome video I love my python and glad I have a sink close enough to my tanks.

[@thefishwitch2137]

My python and every dirty bucket goes on flower beds or into the veggie and herb garden.

[@michelletoni3067]

Great video, the entire series, had I known about this in the beginning, it would have been so much easier, Obvious, You can teach well.

[@therineo7839]

you guys are awesome thanks again all the way down to Madame Smallscapes facial expressions hinting at the set-up! which was confirmed during the out-take well done Prof. thats why you get the big bucks and turn them over to Mama have a great week!

[@billettescrafts]

These videos are amazing

[@sharronmiller451]

Awesome video!

[@rocky21_tv]

Thanks for sharing the video..

[@tytar1037]

You would make a great professor! So good at explaining things,

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That’s actually what I am 😀

[@punittripathi79]

Awesome tutorial

[@thebeigesheep6132]

I wish I watched this before putting down an inert gravel substrate. I was so worried about soil turning to mud while cleaning but this video made me realize it's not a huge issue if u know what ur doing. Now I have to keep using root tabs. O wel

[@amberhart8047]

Love your videos. Can't wait to see you two at aquashella!

[@AJDN_primals]

Thanks for the tips This really helpt

[@sandradolbel2578]

Great video

[@littlemidwestrebornsdolls]

Thanks for showing us what to do. I have been taking my fake plant and decorations out. I do leave my few live plants alone. Now, I will have less work to do! Thanks 😊

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hopefully it makes it a little easier for you :-)

[@markhunter2244]

Happy Monday. Very value lesson learnt today, get an assistant to do the dirty work 🤓

[@cherylbelott]

Happy Monday! You know, this video is inspiring me to want to clean my aquariums today even though I clean mine on Tuesdays. It’s sort of like those KZbin channels that inspire you to clean your house. Sometimes they do cleaning karaoke. Grab the mic Jason and Joanna!! 🎤 🤣 🐠 🌱

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Too funny :-)

[@TripleJAquatics]

Nice! 👍👍✌

[@jefflynn8889]

Happy Memorial Day! Happy Monday! Clean tank, Happy Fish day😉

[@chico0969]

Hello prime time ! Suggestions for fish for a 40 long ? Great content again ! Great channel !

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Pretty much anything you can put in a 55 gallon will work with the exception of maybe angelfish?

[@martyborst5645]

Greetings Jason and Joanna. I would really like to take my h.o.b off and dump out the buildup in it but the guys from my local fish set up my tank and they did not leave enough room for me to do so. I only realized it the first time I went to take off the h.o.b. I am stuck just taking out the sponges. As a result a lot of brown junk enters my fish tank. I think your others suggestion of taking out the sponge/floss before the water change is probably is the only other way to put in clean sponges/floss. Thanks for letting us know it is normal but to do so before the water change. Sincerely, Marty Borst

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I guess you could always get a mini gravel vac for the filter? :-)

[@connienyiri5791]

I just got my first betta ever. I’ve tried to do a lot of research. Watching this is great. However, I thought that if you replace the filter medium you will get rid of the good bacteria. I’m going to do a water change tomorrow. It’s only a 5 gallon and it’s an Aquatop. I have a sponge and filter medium in there. Do I just replace the filter medium? Love watching your videos and Joanna you are too funny. Thanks

[@TheOfficialSteelReign]

You're a good sport Joanna! Mrs Whip would have definitely given me a pinch of epic proportions for that 🤣

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I probably deserve it :-)

[@TheOfficialSteelReign]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics LOL! Nah, You're a good dude. You can tell it's all in fun 😉

[@222killawhale2]

I love the look of that tank on the brick wall! #aquariumgoals

[@novemberconklin6135]

We're was that siphon 15 years ago, I had 2 Oscar's and they ate like pigs in a slop bucket, they loved minnows and they stared at me like that's all you got! I had to use old style which was connected to a faucet but silly took awhile to clean. Every two weeks for they were as big as a human hand in a 55 gallon tank. With a big 5 inch pleco

[@MrPhillipgraham]

I have been watching all of your beginer Aquarium videos and really learning a lot, but could you please state litres AND gallons when mentioning volumes as I have to keep trying to work this out in my head! (I'm in the UK) Also regarding the Nitrate levels of ppm we should be aiming for how do we test for that? I have a water quality liquid test kit and it just had a colour coding chart on it to refer to? Thanks

[@user-fy9zx3xd5n]

Hello, thank you for the helpful videos! I am having difficulties still since most videos use fish from the fish store in the nice pretty water to a clean tank.I inherited a tank and my pants is it rough looking. Is it still the same process just longer or do I need to make a whole new tank and introduce them to it and if so how do I do that when it’s such a big water quality difference!?! I don’t want to kill these poor fishies. I found out they are mollies. If anyone has a video link that would be great because I’m struggling to find this specific type of video.

[@lynnberg7812]

The filter media that comes up on Amazon from your link looks different than yours? Do you recommend that filter media instead?

[@cozypowell751]

i read some where aqua plants help to keep the nitrates and phosphates under control is this true also is there any fish that will eat black beard algae thanks for replying to my questions, you both are infectious, your videos are so interesting, thank you

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yes - plants will help. Not many fish eat BBA except the Siamese algae eater.

[@omglookitsachicken]

Unless you have multiple fish, getting a big tank for a small fish would be a waste of money, and you can save that money to get something’s like, a water purifier, decor/toys for the fish, fish food, proper tools to clean the fish tank, or maybe even some lighting to see the fish or for the fish to see it’s surroundings.

[@SilverSkyCloud]

hey do you have any recommendations for algae eater/cleaner tankmates that would suit soft water? some people have been suggesting crystal shrimp and ramshorn snails but there's a lot of conflicting info, i have a tank thats almost ready to get set up just waiting for testing kit and water conditioners to arrive before i start the cycle id prefer a non heated tank but i have a few fish ideas for a heated tank if theres no cold water suggestions

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Depends on the size of the tank, but bristlenose plecos and hillstream loaches may work if the tank is large enough.

[@BarrySullivan-ip8rc]

Also, my house doesn't have any faucets that can easily hook up to something like that. Can I just fill up a 5 gal bucket and put the dechlorinator in it and move the bucket side to side as I'm dumping it in? I'm going to be using gravel so it'll stay mostly in place. Is it wise to add algae remover and reducer plus stress coat into the new water?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You can certainly do that. Just add the dechlorinator.

[@jonathancox298]

I don't do water changes anymore but I add water once a month because of the heater. I have had my tank for a year now

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

With lots of plants it may be possible. Without plants - nitrate concentrations will eventually build to lethal levels

[@jonathancox298]

Ever time I check the nitrate and everything else it is at a perfect levels

[@jonathancox298]

But I am interested in learning how to do a landscaping for fish tank with live plants just got my first one today

[@matthewsmith7606]

@PrimeTimeAquatics Quick question: I've heard mixed responses but do you think "pre-warming" changing water is necessary? Some say yes but I wonder how needed it is?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yes - the water going into the tank should be the same as the water in the tank to avoid stressing the fish.

[@annewrites...8385]

How do I make sue the temperature of the added water is the same as the tank water?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I just feel the water as it’s coming out of the faucet after I adjust temps. If it’s close it goes in (I use dechlorinator of course)

[@michaelmachos8969]

I remove to half the tank my fake plants and clean. After that half is clean I do the same to the other. I see you left your decorations in while gravel vacuuming. I also remove my big centerpiece fake decoration. Can I just vacuum around my stuff? It would take so much less time and make me want to do more water changes/ vacuuming. Thanks.

[@vikashdubey]

I don't gravel vac in the areas I have real plants and rocks.

[@louiegroenewald]

Should I take out mostly all hardscape when doing a Weekly Maintenance. PS...I like things very clean and feel if I remove most hardscape, wood and stone, to better gravel vac every where it would be good for tank. But is it ok for Fish or so stressful that cause Fish to die when I do.weekly Maintenance In you video you mention that you do kit remove hardscape to clean. I do not clean ot either but still remove it tomproper gravel vac everywhere. Is this OK to do or should I just do my best to grave vac with hardscape still in tank. Regards to be best for Fish.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I might move it over a little every few months, but I don’t remove it very often.

[@sharonhoover644]

What is your thought on lava rock in the filter?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It does ok, but once the little holes get clogged with detritus the useable surface area is greatly reduced.

[@BarrySullivan-ip8rc]

So I plan to get a 10 gallon tank and buy the nitrate reader, but how do I tell it needs either a 20% or 50% water change? Is there an instruction guide on the nitrate reader that tells you?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The goal is to keep nitrate at 20ppm or less from one water change to the next. Percentage is based on keeping that goal.

[@violacath]

Can I ask what the beautiful green-blue fish with trailing fins is? :)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Geophagus altifrons!

[@siasc289]

When you swap water do you also need to put new live bacteria in the tank?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yes, the water doesn’t really hold beneficial bacteria.

[@bulldaagg]

put them filters in net bags for easy reusabiity

[@lasillynewsco9771]

My Cory is so sad that there are no other Cory’s in our 10 gallon tank. Do we really have to quarantine for 4 weeks before adding?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I definitely would

[@vijik2988]

Which filter is good for 2ft tank I have 3 gold fishes in the tank ? Please answer sir

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

A hang on back like the Marineland PRO 175

[@abdallahtanveer6532]

Should I add beneficial bacteria while doing waterchange or just anti chlorine ??

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

If your tank is already cycled you don't need to add the beneficial bacteria anymore.

[@unclebigmac9303]

What heater do you recommend for a 3.5 gallon tank?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We usually just do the small nano heaters from Petsmart. Not great, but they do ok for a couple years usually.

[@lewiscory6352]

When you gravel vac, is this how you take your water out ?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yep!

[@lewiscory6352]

How often would you recommend cleaning the sponge filter for a 20 gallon tank

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We clean ours weekly.

[@lewiscory6352]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Ok I will consider this

[@brianthiel1488]

I always stagger the water change/gravel vac and filter cleaning.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I’ve actually never done that - never had an issue.

[@joakimroskifte]

How do I get the new water at the same temperature? Can I use luke warm water from the tap? Or does it have to be cold water, and then heated to 25 celcius before I put it in the tank?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I just match the tap water to the aquarium.

[@joakimroskifte]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you!

[@amicah4517]

I have the worst combo for using a gravel vac... Plants + sand + an army of shrimp!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Ya, that'll do it :-)

[@2ssrs950]

A 5 gallon bucket is the number 1 tool in this hobby without it you're as useful as a car without gasoline

[@jonathanvivar1366]

You took all the beneficial bacteria from the filter and put new floss. Is that ok or should i leave a dirty and add a new filter floss?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

In a well established tank there will be microbes throughout the tank.

[@lawrencemoore7800]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics How do we know when our tank is well established?

[@monaangela4667]

👌👌👍🤗💗💗

[@ibrahimkani9777]

Hey! How much ml of conditioners we need to use when we change 20% water from tank ?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I usually just go with whatever the bottle says based on the volume of water changed.

[@ibrahimkani9777]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks man! And hey can I use epsom salt for flowerhorn fish.

[@sergeiz.5815]

I use a magnet glass scraper.is that ok ?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Sure is!

[@cozypowell751]

can you tell me the best way to clean sand in a aquarium tank

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We actually did a video on that!

[@acgakgak]

how do you ensure the temperature of new water = tank temperature?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

At this point just by feeling the tap water verses tank water.

[@Alw337]

what brand of gravel vac do u use?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Just the cheap Aqueon ones from Petsmart. They usually last a couple years, but we have a lot of tanks to clean so it's not too bad.

[@bradygainey8043]

Can you gravel vac a finer sand tank

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It depends on how much water flow you’re getting, but it’s usually harder to do.

[@Covid--be6pi]

Hi and I am Very New to this Aquarium Hobby So I really Need Your Help So I Got a 6 Gallon Tank Recently Dimensions Are : 15.74Inches x 9.05Inches x 9.84Inches (40cmx23cmx25cm) and I also Got A Good Internal Filter and the Temperatures are also All right as I Live in India my Water Temperature is around 26-28Celcius. And I Wanna Buy A Beautiful Looking And Hardy Fish. So can you suggest Me Fish Please Thx❤️ Which Fish do you Suggest Me? And Thx a Lot😃

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I would just go with a betta

[@Covid--be6pi]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Ok Thx

[@ryanjennens3007]

What should I do if my gravel fills the gravel vac up?

[@DYS_Productions1323]

Lift it up ?

[@larrythecomputerguy]

ALSO glass cleaner should be safe for tank--acrylic, for instance! NOT ammonia.

[@OrcHead]

I need a handy dandy assistant as well :)

[@robsonsmith121]

Do u need gravel in a tank

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

No, it just tends to look more natural with substrate, but some people run tanks with bare bottom.

[@bagariusyarrelli7142]

Safe to assume there's no ammonia in that glass cleaner?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I'm not sure?

[@bagariusyarrelli7142]

Look at the label. WINDEX (for example) and many other glass cleaners contains Ammonium hydroxide which is is highly poisonous. Ammonium hydroxide is found in many industrial products and cleaners. Some of these are flooring strippers, brick cleaners, and cements. Ammonium hydroxide can also release ammonia gas into the air. Ammonia alone (not ammonium hydroxide) can be found in many household items such as detergents, stain removers, bleaches, and dyes. I use white vinegar which I put directly on a cloth.

[@MrPhillipgraham]

@@bagariusyarrelli7142 I think they were using ecover so no nasty ingredients in there?

[@bagariusyarrelli7142]

@@MrPhillipgraham 😂

[@AdreanaJansenvanvuuren-qw1fl]

What decorations and would it make a difference to the choice in color substrate?

[@lewiscory6352]

How do you test the 20 ppm?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Either a liquid test kit of the test strips.

[@lewiscory6352]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks

[@DEXTER-TV-series]

Why do you don't make denitrification instead of water changes (or to reduce them at least) ? To make 50% water changes weekly - it's a little terrible.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Because it requires a LOT of area to do that based on the stocking levels of most tanks.

[@AdreanaJansenvanvuuren-qw1fl]

Wo7ld it not stress the fish out?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They get used to it.

[@elburn7385]

Wait--you mean I don't need to buy the charcoal filled pouches for the little waterfall that lives on the back of my tank?? 😱

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Nope!

[@DocDurr]

Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit!

[@shiklanpakira4216]

Name of the catfish please!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Raphael Cat

[@CJ23taylor-animales]

hello 2nd

[@DTaylorYoutubeChannel]

20 ppm. 😏

[@TheNanoAquariumGuy]

Genius, just make a video to make someone else clean the tank!