Fish tanks are the single most important supply you'll need if you're interested in keeping fish. Fish make great pets; they don't shed, they're quiet and they are beautiful and calming to watch. You can find fish in nearly any color you'd like and their beauty can almost instantly banish the stress of even the most hectic day at work.

You may choose from either freshwater or saltwater fish tanks. Either allows you to keep certain types of fish (either freshwater or saltwater species of fish, of course). The pets you can keep in these fish tanks will provide you with relaxation and of course, their natural beauty. While fish tanks don't require a lot of maintenance, you will need to put some work into caring for your tanks to keep them a clean environment which will keep your fish healthy and happy.

When it comes to the maintenance of your fish tank, one thing that you want to keep in mind is the amount of fish that is to be placed in the tank is very important. Too many fish can be unhealthy and unsanitary for the fish. When cleaning your fish tank, you should make a regular cleaning schedule.

Setting and sticking to a regular schedule of cleaning for your fish tank will keep your fish healthier and living longer. The first step in keeping your tank clean is to feed your fish only as much as they will eat. Over feeding your fish will result in excess food falling to the bottom of the tank, where it will accumulate and spoil, sickening your fish. Another thing to watch out for is dead leaves from any of your aquarium plants " these should be removed as soon as possible, since decaying matter encourages the growth of algae, which must then be cleaned off of the sides of the tank. You can remove algae using a scraper or an algae magnet, available at your local pet shop.

There's more to cleaning your fish tank then cleaning the glass of the tank, as important as that is. You'll also need to use a filter to keep the water itself clean as well as clean any of the accessories in your tank. Your water filter needs to be cleaned out a minimum of once per month. The gravel or other substrate at the bottom of the tank also needs to be cleaned at least once a month.

Cleaning the filter is easy enough. Remove the filter itself from the system and clean it out with running water. If it's worn, then replace this part. There are bacteria which live in your filter system which are beneficial to your fish since they help to break down ammonia from the waste produced by your fish. This helps to maintain the right chemical balance in your fish tank, so clean this filter out quickly and replace it so it can get back to keeping the water healthy for your fish. Another monthly fish tank maintenance job is checking the pH balance of your water " ask at your pet store how to do this and what the proper pH level is for your tank.

When it comes to cleaning the sides of your tank, don't use soap or detergent " this leaves behind residues which can sicken or even kill your fish. Instead, use a solution of 90% water, 10% chlorine bleach (use only plain bleach without fragrances added). You can wash the sides of the tank with this solution and soak all accessories in it for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly before refilling and placing your fish back into the tank.

When you take good care of your fish tank, cleaning it at least once per month your fish will be healthier and live longer. You'll also be able to enjoy a better view of your fish through a well-cleaned tank " and what's the point of keeping fish if you can't enjoy them?