Q&A for How to Clean a Goldfish Tank

If you have a system like a protein skimmer, you can physically remove compounds that increase nutrient accumulation and pollution from your aquarium.

You most definitely can, but you still need the chemicals and it will have to be done way more often. You're better off using the proper tools listed in the article.

Take a some water out of the fish tank and put it into a container. Use a fish net to transfer the fish into the container. Then clean the tank.

if you can siphon around the fish, it causes far less stress to leave them in the tank.

If you mean time of the day, then anytime between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. so the fish are awake and you don't harm them. If you mean time of the week, you can do it any day. When you start on one day, do it on the same day every other week so it becomes a routine.

They are called bottom feeders. They are sold at every pet store. If want a pleco, make sure your tank is big enough to hold an adult pleco, as they can grow to a foot long.

Any extra food makes its way to the bottom of your tank and contributes to cloudiness and odor. You could try adding some water clarifier, which is sold at most pet stores. Partial water changes at least once a week can also help, depending on the size of your tank and the number of fish. A big change would be to stop overfeeding your goldfish. You should only offer as much food as your fish can consume in 10 minutes.

Use a fish net to carefully scoop up the excess food and throw it away.

Try buying specially conditioned water at the pet store. It's expensive but safe and high quality.

They will grow, but 2-3 gallons per fish is recommended.

If you use anything other than water for cleaning, then it’d be a good idea to rinse as much as you can after the fact.

If you mean the balance of pH, nitrate, etc., then it is best to test the water. You can do this with any pH tester. Your nitrate and ammonia should be 0. In regards to temperature, goldfish enjoy cool water temperatures, but nothing below 15° C. After that, you're all set.

It depends on what type they are. A lot of smaller fish will nip goldfish fins.

Nope, they need much much more space. At least get a 15 or 20 gallon. They will be much happier.

Use an unused toothbrush to get the algae off the sides of the tank and also off decorations. It works very well.

Well, it is easier for the fish if you leave it in its tank. Taking it out during cleaning may stress the fish. If you leave it in the tank, it is good if you can siphon around the fish safely.

Not all, since beneficial bacteria also lives in your filter floss/filter. However, having beneficial bacteria is no excuse for not doing water changes. Even though many people say 50% is okay for one week of water changes, you need to change 90% (at least) every week.

Not if the algae is on the walls. In fact, you usually can't suck up algae (unless it is on some gravel that you can suck up) , you should scrub/rub it off.

A fancy goldfish can grow up to 6 inches and a single tailed goldfish can grow up to 10 inches or more.

Your fish will probably be okay, but get in the habit of cleaning it regularly, and doing water changes often.

The first time you fill up your tank, try to make sure that you are cycling. But if you’re talking about regular cleans, take out 20 to 30%, get rid of it and then add another 20 to 30%, or however much you took. And if you need to top up the tank, then you can add more. But you should never do a complete tank refill unless you are moving the tank for some reason.