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DIY Cleaning Methods for Aquarium

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 15, 2025

Discover easy DIY cleaning methods for your aquarium. Keep your tank clean, healthy, and safe for fish with these simple, effective tips and tricks.

DIY Cleaning Methods for Aquarium

Gravel Vacuum and Partial Water Change

Insert the gravel vacuum into the aquarium and start the siphon. Move the vacuum through the gravel to remove debris while simultaneously draining about 25–30% of the water. Refill the tank with fresh, dechlorinated water to maintain a clean and healthy environment for your fish.

Title

Gravel Vacuum and Partial Water Change: How to Clean Your Aquarium Without the Drama

Let’s get real: aquariums are beautiful, but that gravel? It’s a magnet for fish poop, leftover food, and all sorts of gunk you’d rather not think about. A gravel vacuum and partial water change is a practical way to keep things under control—without turning your living room into a splash zone.

Gather your gear. You’ll need a gravel vacuum (sometimes called a siphon or gravel cleaner), a bucket that’s never seen soap or cleaning products, and a towel for the inevitable drips. If you have a water conditioner, keep it handy for treating tap water before it goes back in the tank.

Unplug electrical equipment. For safety, unplug your aquarium heater, filter, and any other electrical devices before you start. Water and electricity are not friends.

Start the siphon. Place the vacuum end in the gravel and the other end in your bucket. Most gravel vacuums work by creating suction—either by shaking the tube up and down in the water or using a squeeze bulb. Once the water starts flowing, you’re in business.

Clean the gravel. Push the vacuum down into the gravel. You’ll see debris and waste get sucked up while the heavier gravel tumbles back down. Move the vacuum around the tank, section by section, but don’t stress about getting every last bit. Fish need some beneficial bacteria in the gravel, so a thorough-but-not-obsessive approach is best.

Remove about 20–30% of the water. A partial water change means you’re not draining the whole tank—just enough to freshen things up and dilute waste. Keep an eye on your bucket so you don’t accidentally siphon out more than you planned.

Refill with treated water. Fill your bucket with tap water that’s close to the tank’s temperature. Add water conditioner if needed, following the instructions on the bottle. Slowly pour the new water into the tank to avoid disturbing your fish or plants.

Plug everything back in. Once the water level is back up, plug in your heater and filter. Double-check that everything’s running smoothly and that your fish are swimming happily.

Wipe down the outside. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any drips or smudges on the glass. Skip the window cleaner—most contain chemicals that aren’t aquarium-friendly.

Pro tip: If you see cloudy water or a funky smell, it’s a sign your tank might need more frequent maintenance. But for most tanks, a gravel vacuum and partial water change every week or two keeps things looking good and your fish feeling comfortable.

Incomplete Waste Removal

Not all debris and waste are removed if the gravel vacuum misses spots or the water change is too small, leading to leftover toxins and poor water quality that can harm fish and plants.

White Vinegar and Soft Sponge

Dampen a soft sponge with white vinegar and gently scrub the aquarium glass, focusing on areas with water stains or algae. Rinse thoroughly with clean water before refilling. This method safely removes buildup without harsh chemicals.

Title

How to Clean an Aquarium with White Vinegar and a Soft Sponge

What You’ll Need:

White vinegar (plain, distilled)
Soft sponge (no abrasive side, no scrubby pads)
Clean water (preferably dechlorinated if you’re rinsing inside the tank)
Microfiber cloth or paper towels for drying
Gloves (optional, but keeps your hands from smelling like a salad)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Remove fish and decorations: If you’re cleaning the inside of the tank, gently move your aquatic friends to a temporary holding container with some of their tank water. Take out any decorations, rocks, or artificial plants.

Drain the water: Lower the water level so you can reach the areas you want to clean. You don’t need to empty the whole tank unless you’re doing a deep clean.

Apply white vinegar: Pour a small amount of white vinegar onto your soft sponge. Don’t go overboard—a little goes a long way. Never pour vinegar directly into the tank with fish or plants inside.

Wipe down glass and surfaces: Gently scrub the inside glass, focusing on mineral deposits (those white, crusty lines) and algae spots. The soft sponge helps avoid scratching the glass or acrylic. For stubborn spots, let the vinegar sit for a few minutes before wiping again.

Clean decorations separately: Use the same vinegar and sponge method on rocks, plastic plants, and other décor. Rinse thoroughly with clean water before returning them to the tank.

Rinse thoroughly: After cleaning, rinse all surfaces with plenty of clean water to remove any vinegar residue. This is especially important for the inside of the tank and anything that will go back in with your fish.

Dry and reassemble: Wipe down the outside of the tank with a damp cloth, then dry with a microfiber cloth or paper towel. Refill the tank with water (dechlorinated if needed), return decorations, and finally, reintroduce your fish.

Tips for Best Results:

Spot test first: If your tank is acrylic, test a small area to make sure the sponge and vinegar won’t cause clouding or scratches.

Use gentle pressure: Let the vinegar do the work—don’t scrub too hard, especially on acrylic tanks.

Keep vinegar away from live fish and plants: Even though it’s a common household item, vinegar isn’t meant for your aquarium’s living residents.

Residual Chemical Risks

Using white vinegar and a soft sponge may leave chemical residues that can harm aquatic life if not thoroughly rinsed. Residual vinegar can alter water pH, stressing or endangering fish and plants in the aquarium.

Baking Soda Paste and Soft Cloth

Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste. Apply the paste to aquarium glass using a soft cloth, gently scrubbing away algae and stains. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue before refilling the tank. This gentle method safely cleans without harsh chemicals.

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How to Clean an Aquarium with Baking Soda Paste and a Soft Cloth

Gather your supplies: You’ll need baking soda, a small bowl, water, and a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Make sure the cloth is free of any detergents or residues from previous use.

Mix your paste: In the bowl, combine baking soda with just enough water to form a thick, spreadable paste. You’re aiming for the consistency of toothpaste—thick enough to stick, but not so dry it crumbles.

Unplug and empty the aquarium: For safety and best results, unplug all electrical equipment and remove fish, plants, and decorations. Place aquatic life in a temporary holding tank with water from the aquarium.

Apply the paste: Dip your soft cloth into the baking soda paste. Gently rub the paste onto the inside glass surfaces of the empty aquarium, focusing on areas with visible buildup or water spots. Use a light touch—baking soda is mildly abrasive, but a soft cloth helps prevent scratches.

Let it sit briefly: Give the paste a few minutes to work on stubborn spots, but don’t let it dry completely. This helps loosen mineral deposits and grime.

Wipe and rinse thoroughly: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the paste. Rinse the aquarium several times with fresh water, making sure no baking soda residue remains. Any leftover paste can affect water chemistry, so be thorough.

Dry and reassemble: Dry the glass with a clean towel. Replace decorations, refill with conditioned water, and return your aquatic residents once the temperature and water parameters are back to normal.

Extra tip: For tough corners or tight spots, use a soft-bristled toothbrush with the paste, but always avoid scrubbing too hard to protect the glass.

Glass Surface Scratching

Using baking soda paste and a soft cloth can scratch the glass surface of an aquarium because baking soda is mildly abrasive. Even with a soft cloth, repeated rubbing may leave fine scratches, reducing clarity and damaging the glass.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto a microfiber cloth and gently wipe the aquarium glass. The natural acidity of lemon juice helps dissolve mineral deposits and water spots, leaving the glass clean and clear. Rinse with a damp cloth to remove any residue.

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How to Clean an Aquarium with Lemon Juice and a Microfiber Cloth

What You’ll Need:

Fresh lemon juice (bottled works, but fresh is usually more effective for cleaning)
Microfiber cloth (make sure it’s clean and free of any detergent residue)
Warm water
Spray bottle (optional, but handy for applying lemon juice)
Gloves (optional, but helpful if you have sensitive skin)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Unplug and Remove: Before you start, unplug any electrical equipment and remove fish, plants, and decorations. Place your aquatic friends in a temporary tank with their original water to keep them comfortable.
Drain the Water: Remove most of the water from the aquarium, leaving just enough to keep the substrate (gravel or sand) damp. This makes it easier to reach the glass without sloshing water everywhere.
Apply Lemon Juice: Pour lemon juice into a spray bottle or onto your microfiber cloth. Lemon juice is known for its ability to help loosen mineral deposits and water spots, especially on glass surfaces.
Wipe the Glass: Use the microfiber cloth to gently wipe the inside glass. Focus on areas with visible buildup or streaks. The microfiber’s fine fibers help lift away grime without scratching the glass.
Rinse Thoroughly: After wiping, rinse the glass several times with clean, warm water. It’s important to remove all traces of lemon juice, as leftover residue can affect the water chemistry when you refill the tank.
Dry and Inspect: Use a dry section of the microfiber cloth to buff the glass. Check for any missed spots or streaks and repeat the process if needed.
Reassemble and Refill: Once you’re satisfied, return decorations, plants, and fish to the tank. Refill with conditioned water and plug in your equipment.

Tips and Terms Explained:

Microfiber cloth: This is a cleaning cloth made from very fine synthetic fibers. It’s popular for cleaning glass because it lifts dirt and grime without leaving lint or scratches.
Lemon juice: The citric acid in lemon juice helps break down mineral deposits (like those white, crusty spots from hard water) and can help with general cleaning. It’s not a disinfectant, but it can help with visible buildup.
Residue: Any leftover substance from cleaning products. In aquariums, even small amounts can impact water quality, so thorough rinsing is key.

Quick Reminders:

Never use lemon juice or any cleaning product directly in a tank with fish or plants present.
Always rinse thoroughly to avoid leaving any cleaning residue behind.
Microfiber cloths should be washed without fabric softener, as it can leave a coating that reduces their effectiveness.

Algae Regrowth Potential

Lemon juice may not fully remove algae spores, and microfiber cloths can miss microscopic residues. This can allow algae to regrow quickly, making this DIY method less effective for long-term aquarium cleanliness.

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