How do you clean fish tank pebbles?

1. Remove Debris:

- Scoop any surface debris, like bits of food and dead plants, from the gravel.

2. Drain Tank:

- Drain about half the tank's water. Move the fish to a temporary holding tank.

3. Vacuum Gravel:

- Dip a gravel vacuum (with the intake end) into the substrate.

- Squeeze the bulb at the other end to initiate suction and gently move the vacuum over the gravel.

- Dirty water and debris will be sucked up through the tube and into a collection bucket.

4. Continue Vacuuming:

- Repeat the vacuuming process in different sections of the tank until you've covered the entire substrate.

5. Check for Clogs:

- Occasionally check the collection bucket for debris buildup that may reduce suction. Empty and rinse it when necessary.

6. Top-Off Water:

- After you've vacuumed the gravel, slowly add clean, dechlorinated water back into the tank.

7. Water Conditioner:

- Use a water conditioner to neutralize chlorine or chloramines in the newly added water.

8. Allow Bubbles to Dissipate:

- Let the tank sit for a while to allow any trapped air bubbles to escape and settle down.

9. Replace Decorations:

- Return any previously removed decorations to their places in the tank.

10. Acclimate & Return Fish:

- Float the temporary holding container with fish in it on the surface of the main tank for about 30 minutes to acclimate them to any temperature differences between the two tanks.

- Slowly mix some of the main tank water into the holding container to help further temperature adjustment.

- After temperature adjustment, gently release the fish back into their main tank.

Tips:

- It's not necessary to clean all the gravel during each tank cleaning session. You can split this task into smaller increments for better control over water quality.

- Avoid over-cleaning the substrate as it can alter beneficial bacterial colonies.

- Rinse any new gravel thoroughly before adding it to your fish tank.