How to Clean a Fish Bowl: 12 Steps
1.Gather the necessary supplies: You’ll need a clean container large enough to hold your fish temporarily, a fish net, some paper towels, a soft cloth or sponge, and water conditioner.
2.Remove decorations and accessories: Carefully remove any decorations, rocks, or artificial plants from the fish bowl and set them aside.
3.Transfer the fish: Fill the temporary container with some of the water from the fish bowl and use a fish net to gently scoop your fish into their temporary home. Make sure the water in the new container is at a similar temperature to minimize stress on your fish.
4.Dispose of the old water: Carefully pour out the old water from the fish bowl. Avoid pouring out any remaining debris, such as uneaten food, on your fish in their temporary home.
5.Clean the bowl: Dampen your paper towels with clean water and scrub away any algae or grime on the inside walls of the fishbowl. For stubborn build-up, use a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge.
6.Rinse thoroughly: Rinse out the fishbowl under lukewarm tap water until you’re confident that all traces of debris have been removed.
7.Disinfect decorations and accessories: Soak your bowl decorations and accessories in a solution of warm water mixed with aquarium-safe cleaner or mild dish soap for 5-10 minutes. Rinse them thoroughly to remove any traces of soap before adding them back into the clean bowl.
8.Refill the bowl: Fill up your clean fishbowl with fresh tap water at room temperature – be sure to leave enough space at the top so that you don’t overfill it when you add your decorations back in.
9.Treat with water conditioner: Add a few drops of aquarium water conditioner to help neutralize harmful chemicals typically found in tap water like chlorine or chloramine.
10.Return the decorations: Carefully return the cleaned decorations and accessories to the fish bowl, arranging them in a way that is both visually appealing and beneficial to your fish’s habitat.
11.Acclimate the fish: Before transferring your fish back into their clean home, let their temporary container sit in the clean water for about 10-20 minutes so the temperature equalizes between the two containers. Then, gently use the fish net to transfer them back to their bowl.
12.Monitor your fish: Keep an eye on your fish for a few hours after cleaning and reintroduction to make sure they’re adjusting well to their clean environment. Perform regular maintenance and cleaning as needed to maintain optimal water quality.
By following these 12 simple steps, you’ll ensure a clean and healthy environment for your fish while increasing their longevity and overall wellbeing.