New to Your Home · Aquatic
Routine Maintenance & The Perfect Water Change
A Simple Weekly Routine for a Healthy Tank
A healthy tank comes down to a routine you can keep up. 10 lessons on choosing a water change rhythm, using a gravel vacuum on gravel and sand, neutralizing chlorine and chloramine, matching refill temperature, filling with a Python water changer, scrubbing algae without scratching, pruning plants and removing decay, squeezing filter sponges in old tank water, cleaning lids and lights with vinegar, and getting your tank ready before a vacation.
About this course
Most tank problems start with maintenance that slipped, and most good tanks run on a simple routine. This course builds that routine one task at a time. Lesson 1 explains why water changes matter even in a cycled tank, and helps you choose between weekly 20 to 25 percent changes and bi-weekly 50 percent changes. Lesson 2 shows you how to start a siphon and vacuum gravel, and how to hover over sand instead. Lesson 3 covers chlorine and chloramine, and why a conditioner that detoxifies ammonia matters if your water company uses chloramine. Lesson 4 is temperature matching, within 1 to 2 degrees Fahrenheit, and a slow refill. If buckets are wearing you out, Lesson 5 walks you through a Python water changer. Then you'll scrub algae without scratching the glass or nicking the silicone, prune plants and siphon out decay, squeeze filter sponges in old tank water, and clean lids and lights safely with vinegar. The last lesson gets your tank ready before you travel, including how to keep a pet sitter from overfeeding.
What you'll learn
- Choosing a water change rhythm, and why changes matter in a cycled tank
- Gravel vacuum and sand siphon technique, and neutralizing chlorine and chloramine safely
- Matching refill temperature within 1 to 2 degrees, and using a Python changer
- Scrubbing algae on glass and acrylic, and pruning plants before they decay
- The filter squeeze in old tank water, and cleaning lids and lights
- Preparing your tank before a trip so a sitter or feeder cannot overfeed
Who this is for
New keepers who want a routine they can follow every week; busy owners tired of carrying heavy buckets who want an easier way; and anyone about to travel who is worried about leaving the tank with a sitter.
Course outline (10 modules)
Quiz & Certificate
Knowledge quiz
After completing all lessons, take a short quiz to test your understanding.
Go to quiz →Completion certificate
Pass the quiz and earn a shareable certificate of completion.
View certificate →Frequently asked questions
Ready to get started?
$9.99 · Lifetime access · 10 lessons