All aquariums need regular maintenance to keep looking good and to keep the fish and plants healthy. Once per week is usually about right to prevent buildup of waste organics, inorganic toxins, and excess nutrients that can lead to algae. A weekly water change refreshes the ecosystem.
Develop a routine and hold to it
- First, set aside the water you'll need for the water change and treat it for chlorine/chloramines/heavy metals, match water temperature to the water in the tank
- Test water parameters, and note if any adjustments are required
- Use substrate vacuum/siphon to remove excessive decaying matter and poop, this begins the water change, lowering water level
- Remove enough water to allow cleaning and maintenance without overflowing
- As needed, use algae scrapers and wipe down glass walls with sponge, careful in corners around the silicone
- Clean any hardscape or rocks, using a brush
- Clean airstone, CO2 diffuser by soaking in a cup with warm water and a bit of bleach, keep air and CO2 running, use toothbrush on surfaces, then rinse thoroughly with de-chlorinator solution to neutralize all bleach
- Use turkey baster to flush plants and back corners of decaying matter, fish poop, etc
- Trim excessive plant growth and dying, decaying leaves
- After the above steps, the water column should have a fair amount of suspended materials, so finish the water change now, weekly 25% water changes should usually be adequate
- Keep the water in the bucket from the water change in order to clean the filter medium/sponges, not too squeaky clean so that the beneficial bacteria remain
- Clean water surface with a skimmer, try a net
Use old water from the tank to water houseplants.
Test water parameters after 12 to 24 hours, and note if any adjustments are required.