Jedi Survivor players will need to keep their fish tank clean and healthy as they progress through the game. Properly maintaining the fish tank involves regular cleaning and water changes to create a safe habitat for the fish. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cleaning the fish tank in Jedi Survivor.
What is the Fish Tank in Jedi Survivor?
The fish tank is a new mechanic introduced in Jedi Survivor that allows players to collect and display different types of fish. As you explore the various planets and environments, you’ll come across fish species that you can catch with your net and add to your tank aboard your ship.
The tank starts small but can be upgraded to hold more fish. It serves as a living catalog of all the fish you’ve discovered and gives bonuses for collecting certain sets. So you’ll want to seek out new fish on your adventures to fill your tank and get rewards.
Keeping the tank clean is essential for the health and happiness of your fish. Proper maintenance prevents disease, infection, and fatalities. So learning how to clean the tank is a key skill in Jedi Survivor.
Supplies Needed for Cleaning the Fish Tank
Cleaning and caring for the fish tank requires gathering some basic supplies:
- Gravel vacuum – Sucks up debris from the tank bottom
- Algae scraper – Removes algae growing on walls
- Bucket – For draining old tank water
- Dechlorinator – Removes chlorine from new water
- Filter media – Cleans water of waste and bacteria
- Thermometer – Monitors water temperature
- Water testing kit – Checks pH, nitrites, nitrates
- Fresh water – For refilling the tank after cleaning
- Aquarium salt – Helps heal injuries and prevent infection
- Algae pads – Absorb nutrients that cause algae growth
It’s important to have these supplies on hand before beginning the cleaning process. Buying a pre-assembled aquarium cleaning kit can provide all the essential tools in one purchase.
How Often Should You Clean the Fish Tank?
Here are some general guidelines for how often to clean a fish tank:
- Weekly: Perform a partial water change of 25-30% using a gravel vacuum. This removes any accumulated waste, uneaten food, and other debris. It renews the tank water with fresh, conditioned water.
- Monthly: Do a 50-60% water change and clean the mechanical filter media. This gets rid of more nitrates, replenishes minerals, and keeps the filter operating at peak efficiency.
- Every 3 Months: Deep clean the tank and decorations. Wipe down tank walls, scrub algae, replace chemical filter media, etc. Thorough cleanings prevent excessive algae and waste buildup.
- As Needed: Spot clean any algae blooms, skim protein film from the surface, and siphon the gravel in visibly dirty areas between regular cleanings. This keeps the tank looking clean.
The actual cleaning frequency depends on factors like tank size, fish load, and feeding amounts. Heavily stocked tanks and excess feeding means more waste and a need for more frequent cleaning. Observe the tank and increase cleaning as needed.
Step-by-Step Process for Cleaning the Fish Tank
Follow this step-by-step process for a thorough cleaning and water change:
1. Gather Supplies
Assemble all the necessary cleaning tools, new water, dechlorinator, thermometer, etc.
2. Unplug Equipment
Unplug filters, heaters and any other equipment in the tank. Removing electrical devices prevents any accidents.
3. Remove Decorations
Take out all rocks, plants, tank ornaments, etc. This allows cleaning the tank fully. Place decorations in a bucket of tank water.
4. Drain Water
Use a gravel vacuum and bucket to drain out 25-50% of the old tank water, depending on if it’s a partial or full water change. Remove Uneaten food and waste will flow out with the water.
5. Clean Tank Surfaces
With the tank partially drained, scrub algae off walls with an algae scraper and wipe down other surfaces. Cleaning is easier with less water.
6. Rinse Filter Media
Take mechanical filter media like sponges and ceramic rings and rinse in discarded tank water to clear waste and debris. Don’t use tap water as it kills beneficial bacteria.
7. Add Dechlorinator
Add dechlorinator to the new replacement water and let sit for 5 minutes. This removes chlorine and chloramines which are toxic to fish. Verify the temperature of the new water matches the tank.
8. Refill Tank
Slowly pour new water into the tank using a bucket or hose with a soft attachment to avoid disturbing the gravel. Refill until it reaches the normal level.
9. Replace Decorations
Put back all cleaned rocks, tank ornaments and plants. Rinsing decorations in discarded tank water keeps helpful bacteria in place.
10. Restart Equipment
Plug filters, heaters and other equipment back in and turn them on. The tank will look clean and your fish will appreciate the improved conditions!
How Often Should You Change the Water in a Fish Tank?
The frequency of water changes depends on the size of the tank and the number and types of fish. Here are some general guidelines:
10 Gallon Tank
- 25% water change every week
- 50% change every 2 weeks
20-29 Gallon Tank
- 25% change every 1-2 weeks
- 50% change monthly
30-39 Gallon Tank
- 25% change every 2-3 weeks
- 50% change every 6-8 weeks
40-55 Gallon Tank
- 25% change every 3-4 weeks
- 50% change every 8 weeks
55+ Gallon Tank
- 25% change every 4-6 weeks
- 50% change every 10-12 weeks
The more fish and bigger the tank means more waste. So increase the frequency for heavily stocked or overfed tanks. Smaller tanks need more dilutive water changes to prevent pollution. Follow your nose – if the tank smells “fishy” do a water change!
What is the Best Way to Change Water in a Fish Tank?
Here are some tips for changing fish tank water:
- Use a gravel vacuum to siphon out old water. This removes debris from the substrate.
- Replace 25-50% of the water depending on tank size. Smaller changes prevent shocking fish.
- Carefully pour in new water to avoid disturbing the gravel bed. Match the temperature.
- Use dechlorinator and let sit for 5+ minutes before adding. Removes chlorine/chloramines.
- Rinse mechanical filters in old tank water only. Tap water kills good bacteria.
- Maintain proper water parameters like pH. Adjust if needed.
- Make sure to vacuum the gravel fully when doing larger routine water changes.
- Change water more frequently if ammonia or nitrates are above safe levels.
- Discard old tank water away from household drains to prevent contamination.
- Avoid changing too much water at once. Stick to 25-50% for most tanks.
Following these best practices makes water changes easy on both you and your fish!
What Equipment Do You Need to Clean a Fish Tank?
Cleaning a fish tank properly requires having some basic equipment:
- Gravel vacuum – This tool is essential for removing solid waste from the gravel bed at the tank bottom. The vacuum sucks up debris into a bucket for disposal.
- Algae scrubber – Allows you to scrub off any algae growing on the inside glass walls of the aquarium. Keeps walls clear.
- Buckets – At least two clean buckets are needed – one for draining out old water and one for mixing and holding new replacement water before adding to the tank.
- Siphon hose – A gravity siphon hose allows starting the flow of water out of the tank and into the waste bucket below. Removes the need to suck-start a siphon manually.
- Thermometer – Crucial for monitoring the tank’s water temperature. Allows matching the temperature of replacement water during water changes.
- Dechlorinator – Any water added during tank cleaning needs to be treated with dechlorinator first to remove chlorine and chloramines before entering the tank.
- Algae scrubber – Soft scrubber pads help manually remove algae from tank walls and decor.
- Filter media – Keep extra mechanical filter media on hand to replace when needed after rinsing the used media.
Investing in these basic aquarium cleaning tools makes routine tank maintenance much easier. Having the right equipment saves time and frustration.
How Do You Clean Aquarium Gravel?
Cleaning dirty gravel helps keep your tank’s water quality high. Here are some tips for effective gravel cleaning:
Use a Gravel Vacuum
A gravel vacuum is the best tool for removing debris trapped deep in the substrate. It uses suction to pull waste up and out.
- Start the siphon into a bucket and move the vacuum across the gravel to draw up dirt.
- Vacuum in sections, about 25% of the gravel bed at a time, until you’ve covered the entire bottom.
- Focus on visibly dirty areas where uneaten food collects.
Rinse During Water Changes
When performing a water change, use the opportunity to vacuum the gravel to remove built-up organic waste.
- Drain out 25-50% of the old aquarium water.
- While the tank water level is lowered, use the gravel vacuum to clean the substrate fully.
- Refill the tank with dechlorinated water to the normal level after vacuuming.
Avoid Disturbing Too Much
Be gentle when vacuuming to avoid pulling up large amounts of gravel into the vacuum.
- Lightly skim the surface of the gravel instead of plunging in the vacuum deeply.
- Too much agitation can trap debris again and release hydrogen sulfide gas bubbles.
Remove Algae Buildup
Spot clean areas where excess algae is growing by gently swirling the vacuum above to capture floating algae.
- Manually remove algae clumps by hand to dispose of before they decompose.
- Balance nutrients like nitrates and phosphates to prevent algae overgrowth long-term.
Clean Ornaments and Decor
Remove tank decorations and vacuum gravel beneath them during water changes to access hard-to-reach areas.
Thorough gravel cleaning removes waste buildup, prevents toxic gas pockets, and keeps your tank water sparkling clear.
How Often Should You Clean a Fish Tank Filter?
Fish tank filters should be cleaned regularly to keep them operating efficiently. Here are some general filter cleaning guidelines:
- Mechanical Media: Every 2-4 weeks, rinse foam, sponges, floss in old tank water. This removes accumulated debris and waste.
- Biological Media: Every 4-8 weeks, swish ceramic bio rings, bio balls in old tank water. This prevents clogging with gunk which reduces beneficial bacteria.
- Chemical Media: Replace activated carbon every 4-8 weeks. Carbon absorbs impurities best when fresh. Change Purigen and other chemical media per package instructions.
- Canister Filters: Take apart and clean canister, hoses, and all filter trays every 8-12 weeks. Rinse media well in bucket of tank water.
- Power Filters: Swish filter cartridges in tank water during weekly maintenance. Replace cartridges monthly or when falling apart.
- After Tank Cleaning: Always rinse mechanical media well after deep tank cleanings or gravel vacuuming to clear debris.
Filter cleaning frequency depends on tank size, fish load, and how quickly filter media clogs. Check manufacturer recommendations and adjust schedule as needed. Proper filter care prevents flow reduction and equipment failure.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Tank Filter
Follow this process for cleaning various filter types:
Canister Filter Cleaning
- Unplug filter and shut off inflow and outflow valves.
- Disassemble and open the canister. Drain water into bucket.
- Remove all media baskets and rinse each one individually in tank water. Scrub as needed to remove gunk.
- Use filter brush to scrub inside canister walls to clear biofilm and residue.
- Reinsert cleaned media baskets. Prime canister with tank water before reattaching.
- Restart filter, let run for 15 minutes to clear air bubbles.
Power Filter Cleaning
- Unplug filter and remove it from tank.
- Open filter and remove cartridges, sponges or pads if possible. Some filters have sealed cartridges.
- Rinse media in tank water. Squeeze out and scrub to remove debris.
- Reinsert media into filter and put back on tank.
- Add tank water into filter box if needed to prime before restarting.
Biological Media Tips
- Never rinse biological media in tap water. Only use tank water.
- Swish gently to clear debris. Don’t damage porous bio media surfaces needed for bacteria growth.
- If bio media is very clogged, replace with new media instead of overcleaning.
Properly cleaning a tank filter optimizes performance, maintains water quality, and prevents equipment issues.
How to Clean an Aquarium with Vinegar
Vinegar is an effective aquarium cleaning solution for removing algae, water stains, and calcified deposits on ornaments and tank walls. Here’s how to clean a fish tank using vinegar:
Supplies Needed
- White distilled vinegar (5% acidity)
- Clean soft cloth
- Algae scrubber pad or brush
- Gravel vacuum
- Bucket
- Fresh dechlorinated water
Cleaning Steps
- Drain water to lower level using a gravel vacuum during a water change. Remove fish and plants first.
- Apply vinegar straight onto problem areas like tank walls. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Scrub walls, ornaments, and gravel using cloth or scrubber pads. Vinegar will foam and dissolve algae and buildup.
- Use gravel vacuum to remove debris stirred up from scrubbing. Capture floating particles by waving vacuum over surface.
- Drain tank completely. Rinse all surfaces thoroughly with water to remove vinegar.
- Refill slowly with dechlorinated, temperature matched water. Replace decorations and fish.
Tips for Safe Use
- Never use vinegar with coral or living plants. It can damage them.
- Limit use to problem areas and do not pour vinegar freely into the tank water.
- Rinse off decorations and ornaments before returning them to remove vinegar residue.
- Remove fish before cleaning with vinegar to prevent harm.
Vinegar is cheap, non-toxic, and breaks down buildup fast! Use it as part of your regular tank cleaning routine.
How to Clean a Fish Tank with Baking Soda
Baking soda can be used to clean aquarium gravel, decorations, and scrub algae. Follow these steps:
What You Need
- Baking soda
- Algae scrubber
- Soft clean cloth
- Filter media bag or pantyhose
Directions
- Use during a partial water change. Remove fish first.
- Apply baking soda directly onto algae spots. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Gently scrub with a cloth, sponge, or scrubber. Baking soda has mild abrasive properties to lift algae off.
- For decorations: Place items in a bucket filled with 1 cup of baking soda dissolved into 1 gallon of water. Soak for 1-2 hours then scrub clean.
- To clean gravel: Mix 1 cup baking soda per 5 gallons of tank size into a media bag. Place bag on top of gravel. Leave for 6-12 hours allowing powder to settle, then remove. Vacuum gravel to capture lifted debris.
- Rinse all surfaces thoroughly with water before refilling tank. Test water parameters afterward.
Tips for Use
- Avoid getting baking soda into the tank water. Use scrubber pads to apply it directly to surfaces.
- Monitor fish closely. Transfer to separate holding tank if showing signs of distress from baking soda exposure.
- Limit use to monthly as needed for maintenance. Don’t overuse baking soda or it can impact water chemistry long-term.
When used properly, baking soda is an economical tank cleaning solution for tackling algae!
How to Clean Aquarium Plants
Cleaning aquarium plants prevents algae growth and keeps them looking vibrant. Here are some tips:
- Remove plants from tank: Uproot each plant and discard any dying leaves or stems. Use algae scrubber or toothbrush to gently rub leaves clean of debris.
- Rinse well: Hold plant bunches under sink faucet and rinse leaves thoroughly to remove dirt. Dislodge stuck particles by swishing plants back and forth.
- Use hydrogen peroxide: For tougher algae, mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 4 parts water. Dip plants to bubble and fizz away growth. Rinse afterward.
- Soak in bleach solution: For extreme cases, soak plants for 2-3 minutes in a 10% bleach solution. Then rinse multiple times in dechlorinator to remove all bleach traces. This will kill algae and snails.
- Quarantine new plants: Wash new plants in potassium permanganate bath for 5 minutes before adding to tank. This prevents transferring diseases and pests.
- Limit light: Reduce light duration to 6-8 hours daily. Too much light fuels algae growth on plant leaves.
- Remove decaying matter: Clear away dead leaves, roots and other decaying plant matter during cleaning. Rotting organic material spikes ammonia and nitrates.
- Prune overgrowth: Trim plants that are getting overgrown. This allows light and nutrients to still reach the lower portions.
- Clean equipment: Remove plant debris accumulating on filters and powerheads to limit decomposition and clogging issues.
- Use algae eaters: Let plecos, otocinclus catfish and other algae eaters help clean plant leaves between maintenance.
- Maintain stable water parameters: Test and correct fluctuating elements like CO2, nutrients, and pH which can trigger algae blooms on plants.
With regular cleaning and trimming, your aquarium plants will thrive and help create a healthy underwater environment.
How to Clean Aquarium Glass and Acrylic
Keeping the viewing panes clear improves the aesthetics of your tank. Follow these steps to clean aquarium glass or acrylic:
Supplies Needed
- Algae scrubber, pad or scraper
- Cotton towels or lint-free cloths
- Distilled white vinegar or lemon juice
- Clean bucket or spray bottle
- Aquarium-safe glass cleaner
Glass Cleaning Steps
- Scrape off algae using scrubber during water change. Wipe walls with towel to clear loose debris.
- Make vinegar solution – 1 part vinegar to 5 parts water. Apply to glass and let sit 5 minutes.
- Scrub with algae scraper. Wipe clean using a lint-free cloth. Dry completely.
- Use razor blade on stubborn calcium or limescale deposits. Carefully scrape off.
- Rinse any vinegar residue before refilling tank.
Acrylic Cleaning Steps
- Spray tank walls with aquarium-safe acrylic cleaner formula. Avoid abrasive scrubs on acrylic.
- Use microfiber cloth to wipe in gentle circular motions. Take care not to scratch surface.
- For water stains, use lemon juice solution instead of vinegar. Rinse thoroughly.
- No scraping! Acrylic is soft and scratches easy. Use soft cloths only to clean.
Spot clean viewing panes between regular tank cleanings for the clearest view of your underwater world!
Conclusion
Maintaining proper fish tank cleanliness is vital for providing a healthy habitat for your aquatic species to thrive. By regularly cleaning gravel, decorations, filters and performing partial water changes, you remove nitrates, waste, and algae buildup that can degrade water quality and sicken fish.
Invest in some basic aquarium cleaning tools like gravel vacuums, scrub pads, and water buckets. Learn how often to clean each component based on factors like tank size, fish load, and feeding frequency. Observe the water clarity and your fish’s condition and behavior to adjust cleaning schedules as needed.
With a little time devoted each week to cleaning and upkeep, you can enjoy crystal clear water, healthy plants, and active fish for years to come! Strike the right balance with routine maintenance and your tank will remain a vibrant underwater oasis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning a Fish Tank in Jedi Survivor
How do I do a partial water change on my fish tank?
Use a gravel vacuum or siphon hose to remove 25-50% of the water, depending on tank size. Replace with dechlorinated, temperature matched water. Partial changes prevent shocking fish with 100% new water.
What percentage of water should be changed in a fish tank?
For small tanks under 20 gallons, change 25% weekly. For larger tanks up to 55 gallons, replace 25-30% every 2-6 weeks. Tanks over 55 gallons can go longer between 25% changes, up to 6-8 weeks. Do 50-60% changes monthly.
Can I use tap water in my fish tank?
Treat tap water with dechlorinator before adding to the tank. Chlorine and heavy metals in untreated tap water can harm fish. Using a tap water conditioner removes these elements and makes the water safe.
How do I clean aquarium decorations covered in algae?
Remove ornaments and decor from the tank and scrub off algae buildup using an old toothbrush. Rinse well and soak in a bleach dilute solution for 2-3 minutes if needed – then rinse multiple times with dechlorinator before returning decor to the tank.
Why is my fish tank water turning green?
Green murky water is likely a bloom of single-cell algae. This happens when light and excess nutrients like nitrogen or phosphates are present. Reducing tank lighting, cleaning filters, removing decaying matter, and performing water changes can help clear it up.