what thebest way to cleanyour fish tank?`

I clean the algie off of the sides with a razor blade. Then i take out all of the plants and rocks and clea them off. Then i drain out like 1/5 of the water and clean the rocks at the bottom. Then i clean my filter i have a Fluval 404 its really nice. Then i put everything back in there and put more water in then get my filter going and everything looks really nice then.

If lately, you've noticed that the water is getting cloudy, the glass looks slimy, your blue rocks are starting to turn brown, and your filter that once ran like a waterfall is now slowly dripping. Now you're wondering how to clean your tank and keep it clean longer. Luckily, with the proper care, a fish tank can be kept clean with minimal effort. Typical Aquarium Problems Dirty Water The easiest way to solve this problem is to get a power filter. The power filter is fundamental in the success of your aquarium; it's easy to use and easy to clean. The truth: if you have a power filter and maintain it your tank should almost be self-cleaning. However, you must clean the filter often, meaning you should change the cartridges every three to four weeks. The cartridges are usually disposable, which means a no-hassle clean. Also, the cartridges are filled with carbon that remove impurities, odors, and discoloration. You'll know when to change the cartridges when the water flow from the filter has slowed down. If cartridges are left in too long, the tank will start to look like a sewer, so a siphon and bucket may come in handy. The process is simple. First, insert the siphon head into the tank. Suck lightly on the hose end and drain the outcoming water into the bucket. Or if your siphon has a pump, squeeze it. Comb the siphon head over the rocks. Also, stir up the rocks to get any waste that has settled to the bottom. Should any gravel get stuck in the siphon head, lightly tap it against the glass and gravity will do the rest. Drain enough water to remove the waste. Replace the water and then replace the cartridges. The filter also serves as an oxygen source because it sends a stream of water back into the tank. The pressurized stream creates excellent water flow throughout the entire tank that helps circulate and clean the water more effeciently. Algae Growth You can practically avoid algae growth with one easy step: buy a Plecostomus or algae eater. They are some of the ugliest fish, but they do a very good job of cleaning algae off of the glass, plants, and the rocks. As an added bonus, the Plecostomus does seem to have a lot of personality. Also, it is common to want to put your aquarium in a sunny place so that the fish get some sunlight. However, when the aquarium is exposed to the sun, algae thrives. If you have a Plecostomus, the tank should be well maintained because he will have plenty of food, but if you don't have an algae eater, you personally will have to clean the tank more often. Hope that helps you to take care of the beauties of the water.