
The main downsides of this type of cleaner are that they are expensive and not ideal for a small fish tank.

The primary advantage of using an electric gravel cleaner is that you can give your goldfish tank a really thorough deep clean without being restricted by the amount of water the tank contains. There are two primary versions of aquarium vacuum cleaners, each having its own pros and cons: Electric Gravel CleanersĮlectric aquarium vacuum cleaners pump tank water through the device, snaring any debris in a filter and returning clean water to the aquarium.

Once the vacuum head is full, take it out of the aquarium and allow the water to drain down through the hose and into your bucket.

In my experience, an external canister filter or HOB (Hang On Back) filtration system is the best choice. So, you’ll need to remove all the water, plants, substrate, and decorations so that you can clean thoroughly underneath the filter plate.įor that reason, we don’t recommend undergravel filters for goldfish tanks. Over time, fish waste and general detritus accumulate under the filter plate. Undergravel filter plates are placed directly on the floor of the aquarium underneath the substrate. The exceptions to that rule are tanks where an undergravel filter system is used. There’s no need to take down the tank completely, as that would remove most of the beneficial bacteria crucial to maintaining a healthy environment for the fish. Once your goldfish tank is set up and fully cycled, you’ll need to clean it once a week.Īs mentioned above, goldfish are dirty fish, and you must remove the mess they make to keep the tank environment clean and hygienic.

How often should a goldfish tank be cleaned?
