The Best Fish Tank Cleaning tools
If you want to keep your aquarium clean and your fish happy and healthy, you'll need high-quality fish tank cleaning tools. Scrubbers, scrapers, nets, cleaning magnets, aquascaping tools, and siphons work together to help you remove built-up grime, algae, and other gunk. All you have to do is figure out which of these tools meets your specific needs. And you're in luck. We've done all the research, so you don't have to.
What to Look For
It’s essential to keep your specific aquarium set-up in mind while deciding which cleaning tools you need. We recommend focusing on the size of your tank, the bioload, and the materials inside. For example, if you have a ten-gallon tank with a sponge filter, a few live plants, and a betta, GreenJoy’s fish tank cleaning kit helps you keep everything in excellent shape. However, if you own a full 250-gallon saltwater community tank with a large canister filter, you’ll need a heavy-duty siphon, like the Upettools automatic gravel cleaner pump, to keep it all clear of ick. No matter the size of your tank or how many fish are swimming in it, we have the cleaning tools you need on our list below.
GreenJoy Fish Tank Cleaning Kit
All-inclusive collection
This packed fish tank cleaning kit from GreenJoy is perfect for beginner and experienced fish keepers alike. It has a simple siphon plus a handle with interchangeable scrubbers, scrapers, and other handy accessories. Altogether, this set includes everything you need to keep your aquarium clean and adjust the decor.
Pros:
- An affordable price and versatile tool array make this cleaning kit a great starter set if you’re on a budget.
- Switching the attachments on the handle is easy, allowing you to cycle through them and clean the tank quickly.
Cons:
- The siphon is fabulous for water changes but doesn’t remove much debris from deep gravel or substrate.
Aqueon Aquarium Algae Cleaning Magnets
Mess-free convenience
These aquarium algae cleaning magnets from Aqueon are a must-have for everyone with fish. Algae builds up quickly along the inner glass of your tank, and it can be almost impossible to keep it at bay. However, with a quick swipe, these magnets scrub it away to give you the clear view you want. The scrubbing pad also features curved edges to help it clean curved or flat tanks. Plus, it doesn’t float, so it won’t break away as you move down.
Pros:
- As long as you move slowly, you can maneuver this magnetic cleaner around corners to get the entire tank.
- If the inside brush falls, it goes straight down, so you can move the outside magnet near it and pick it back up without getting wet.
Cons:
- You have to move slowly to prevent the scrubber from skipping or falling.
Capetsma Aquascape Tools
Tend your tank
Maintaining your aquarium plants can be a relaxing pastime. But you will need the right tools, which is where these aquascape tools from Capetsma come in. The set includes bonsai scissors, straight and curved tweezers, and a substrate spatula. They work together to help you trim the plants, adjust them as needed, and move the substrate around them. And because they’re all stainless steel, they’re safe for your pets.
Pros:
- These long aquascape tools help you create a beautiful scene within your tank without disrupting your fish too much.
- They come with a case to keep them safely stored away between uses.
Cons:
- Getting a good grip with the straight tongs can be tricky unless you hold them in the middle, which leads to wet hands.
Upettools Automatic Vacuum Gravel Cleaner Pump
Maximum cleaning power
Getting your tank squeaky clean is a breeze when you use the Upettools aquarium gravel cleaner. It includes several attachments and uses a powerful motor to help remove gunk and debris from your tank’s gravel, sand, plants, and glass. The flow can also go the other way, allowing you to add water to the aquarium or create a shower for other aquatic pets.
Pros:
- This siphon boasts powerful suction, ensuring you remove every bit of debris out of the substrate, cracks, and crevices throughout your tank.
- You can clean a huge tank and do water changes in half the time compared to manual siphons and pumps.
Cons:
- Gravel can clog it up if you forget to use a filter bag.
Slson Aquarium Filter Brush Set
Small but mighty
We all know you aren’t supposed to scrub or clean your tank’s filter with soap. However, you need to remove algae from any tubing, get build-up away from the openings, and ensure there’s no mold in any external components. That’s where the Slson aquarium filter brush set really shines. It comes with different-sized brushes, including an extra-long and flexible pipe cleaner that helps clear gunk without removing the bacteria you need to keep your tank cycled.
Pros:
- These pipe cleaners help you clear build-up from deep inside long tubes that you can’t usually reach, allowing you to save money on replacements.
- This makes cleaning huge canister filters much faster than usual.
Cons:
- Some of the bristles may come loose as you’re working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I deep clean my tank’s filter?
Fish tanks rely on a delicate balance of healthy bacteria to maintain the health and safety of your fish and aquatic plants. That bacteria grows and lives primarily in your filter, spreading it around as it filters and replaces the water in your tank. If you deep clean it, you’ll remove most of the bacteria your tank needs, leading to a crash and possibly killing all of your fish.
How can I minimize algae?
The easiest way to keep algae at bay is to do a minimum of a ten percent water change every week. Other things that can help include keeping your plants healthy, never adding more fish than recommended for your tank size, and keeping your lights on a regular schedule.
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