Freshwater Aquarium Maintenance

Keep your freshwater aquarium clean, healthy, and thriving with our comprehensive range of maintenance essentials. From gravel vacuums and algae scrapers to water conditioners, filter pads, test kits, and siphons, our handpicked tools make routine care easy and effective. Whether you’re removing waste, adjusting water quality, or maintaining crystal-clear glass, Charterhouse Aquatics offers trusted brands and high-performance solutions tailored for tanks of all sizes. Stay ahead of algae, ammonia, and cloudiness—shop freshwater maintenance tools built for reliable, safe results.

Keep your freshwater aquarium clean, healthy, and thriving with our comprehensive range of maintenance essentials. From gravel vacuums and algae scrapers to water conditioners, filter pads, test kits, and siphons, our handpicked tools make routine care easy and effective. Whether you’re removing waste, adjusting water quality, or maintaining crystal-clear glass, Charterhouse Aquatics offers trusted brands and high-performance solutions tailored for tanks of all sizes. Stay ahead of algae, ammonia, and cloudiness—shop freshwater maintenance tools built for reliable, safe results.

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 Have questions about Freshwater Aquarium Maintenance? Checkout out our FAQ!

Help Guides

The Essential Maintenance Checklist for Freshwater Aquariums

Keeping your freshwater aquarium clean and stable doesn’t have to be difficult—it just takes a reliable routine. A regular maintenance schedule helps ensure healthy water parameters, reduces algae ... read more
Keeping your freshwater aquarium clean and stable doesn’t have to be difficult—it just takes a reliable routine. A regular maintenance schedule helps ensure healthy water parameters, reduces algae buildup, and keeps your fish and plants thriving. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned hobbyist, this essential checklist will walk you through what to do weekly, monthly, and seasonally to maintain a vibrant, low-stress aquarium. read less

How to Use Water Conditioners and Test Kits the Right Way

Water quality is one of the most important—and often misunderstood—parts of freshwater aquarium care. While filters do the heavy lifting, water conditioners and test kits help you create a saf... read more
Water quality is one of the most important—and often misunderstood—parts of freshwater aquarium care. While filters do the heavy lifting, water conditioners and test kits help you create a safe, stable environment for your fish. Whether you’re topping off your tank or doing a full water change, understanding how to use these tools correctly will prevent stress, illness, and dangerous chemical spikes. read less

Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Freshwater Aquarium

Cleaning your aquarium is essential to fish health and water clarity, but doing it the wrong way can actually do more harm than good. From over-scrubbing filters to using household tools, even well... read more
Cleaning your aquarium is essential to fish health and water clarity, but doing it the wrong way can actually do more harm than good. From over-scrubbing filters to using household tools, even well-intentioned aquarists can unintentionally disrupt the delicate balance in a freshwater tank. Here are the top five cleaning mistakes to avoid—and how to do things right every time. read less

The Essential Maintenance Checklist for Freshwater Aquariums

Keeping your freshwater aquarium clean and stable doesn’t have to be difficult—it just takes a reliable routine. A regular maintenance schedule helps ensure healthy water parameters, reduces algae ... read more
Keeping your freshwater aquarium clean and stable doesn’t have to be difficult—it just takes a reliable routine. A regular maintenance schedule helps ensure healthy water parameters, reduces algae buildup, and keeps your fish and plants thriving. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned hobbyist, this essential checklist will walk you through what to do weekly, monthly, and seasonally to maintain a vibrant, low-stress aquarium. read less

How to Use Water Conditioners and Test Kits the Right Way

Water quality is one of the most important—and often misunderstood—parts of freshwater aquarium care. While filters do the heavy lifting, water conditioners and test kits help you create a saf... read more
Water quality is one of the most important—and often misunderstood—parts of freshwater aquarium care. While filters do the heavy lifting, water conditioners and test kits help you create a safe, stable environment for your fish. Whether you’re topping off your tank or doing a full water change, understanding how to use these tools correctly will prevent stress, illness, and dangerous chemical spikes. read less

Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Freshwater Aquarium

Cleaning your aquarium is essential to fish health and water clarity, but doing it the wrong way can actually do more harm than good. From over-scrubbing filters to using household tools, even well... read more
Cleaning your aquarium is essential to fish health and water clarity, but doing it the wrong way can actually do more harm than good. From over-scrubbing filters to using household tools, even well-intentioned aquarists can unintentionally disrupt the delicate balance in a freshwater tank. Here are the top five cleaning mistakes to avoid—and how to do things right every time. read less

Have Questions About Freshwater Aquarium Maintenance?
We Have Answers.

Get quick answers to common questions about Freshwater Aquarium Maintenance

How often should I clean my freshwater aquarium?

Cleaning frequency depends on your tank size, fish load, and filtration setup. Most aquariums benefit from partial water changes and substrate cleaning every 1–2 weeks. Filters should be checked and rinsed monthly, and algae scrapers used as needed to maintain clear glass. Consistent maintenance prevents buildup and keeps your water parameters stable.

What tools do I need for regular tank maintenance?

At minimum, you’ll want a gravel vacuum, an algae scraper or magnetic cleaner, a siphon hose, and water conditioner for topping off or changing water. Test kits, filter media replacements, and buckets dedicated to aquarium use are also essential for thorough maintenance.

Do I need to take the fish out when cleaning?

No—removing fish during cleaning causes stress and may do more harm than good. Use gravel vacuums and siphons carefully to avoid disturbing your fish. Always condition new water before adding it, and match temperature to avoid shocking your livestock.

What’s the best way to clean aquarium glass?

Use a dedicated algae scraper, magnetic cleaner, or sponge designed for aquarium glass. Avoid household sponges or glass sprays, as they can contain chemicals toxic to fish. Clean the inside glass weekly or as needed to maintain visibility and prevent algae growth.

Can I clean the filter too often?

Yes—over-cleaning or changing all the filter media at once can disrupt beneficial bacteria colonies, which are crucial for biological filtration. Clean sponge or mechanical filters in old tank water to preserve bacteria, and replace chemical media like carbon or resin monthly as needed.

What causes cloudy water in freshwater aquariums?

Cloudiness can result from overfeeding, bacterial blooms, substrate dust, or insufficient filtration. Test your water parameters and check for uneaten food. Performing a partial water change and using filter floss or polishing pads can help restore clarity.

How do I maintain water quality between cleanings?

Avoid overfeeding, stock your tank appropriately, and keep filters running efficiently. Consider using products like liquid bacteria supplements, ammonia detoxifiers, or plant-based filtration to maintain balance between water changes.

Maintenance Made Easy with Charterhouse Aquatics

Proper maintenance is the key to a healthy and beautiful freshwater aquarium. At Charterhouse Aquatics, we offer a full suite of maintenance supplies designed to simplify care, support water stability, and keep your fish in top condition. Whether you’re tackling weekly cleanings or addressing specific water issues, our range includes everything from gravel vacuums and test kits to scrapers, conditioners, and filter media. Browse our freshwater aquarium maintenance collection and take the guesswork out of clean, clear, thriving aquatics.