Basic Tank Maintenance Schedule

Daily Maintenance Tasks

• Check your fish for signs of disease.  This can include physical damage, changes in appearance, or a lack of appetite.
• Check the temperature and make sure it’s within an acceptable range.
• Check the lights.  Make sure they are still working and aren’t blown out.
• Make sure the filter is still pumping.

Weekly Maintenance Tasks

• Do water tests checking the ammonia level, nitrite level, nitrate level, and pH at a minimum.  Respond accordingly to any levels that are outside of the acceptable range.
• Do a water change of 10-15% of the total water.  Take this opportunity to vacuum the substrate.
• Wipe any algae off that has built up on the inside of the glass.
• Perform basic maintenance on any live plants.  Trim dead leaves.  Replant any plants that have been uprooted.

Monthly Maintenance Tasks

• Do a 25% water change.
• Disassemble your filter and clean it.  Wipe off any algae that has built up on hard parts.  Rinse out any soft parts (sponges, soft filters, etc) using aquarium water.