Aquarium Maintenance Checklist: What You Should Do and When

Maintaining a beautiful aquarium takes more than just feeding fish and watching them swim. To create a thriving aquatic environment, you need to follow a consistent maintenance routine that keeps your tank clean, your water chemistry stable, and your aquatic life healthy.

Here’s your go-to aquarium setup and maintenance checklist—divided into daily, weekly, and monthly tasks—so you always know what to do and when to do it.

Daily Maintenance Tasks

Spending just 5–10 minutes a day can prevent long-term problems.

Observe Fish Behavior
Watch your fish for signs of stress or illness such as clamped fins, unusual swimming, or lack of appetite.

Check Equipment
Ensure the filter, heater, lights, and air pump are working properly. A malfunction can quickly become dangerous.

Feed Appropriately
Feed only what your fish can eat within 2–3 minutes. Overfeeding causes waste buildup and water quality issues.

Weekly Maintenance Tasks

A weekly routine helps you stay ahead of algae growth and water imbalances.

Test Water Parameters
Use a reliable test kit to check for ammonia,nitrite,nitrate, and pH. Stable water quality is essential for effective fish aquarium maintenance.

Perform a Partial Water Change
Change 10–20% of the water. Always condition tap water and match the temperature before adding it to the tank.

Clean Interior Glass
Use a magnetic algae scraper or sponge to remove algae buildup for a clear view.

Prune and Inspect Live Plants
Remove dead leaves and trim overgrown plants to promote healthy growth.

Monthly Maintenance Tasks

These tasks ensure your system remains balanced long-term.

Clean Filter Media
Rinse filter media gently in removed tank water to keep beneficial bacteria intact. Replace media only if necessary.

Vacuum the Substrate
Use a gravel siphon to clean built-up waste and detritus from the bottom of the tank.

Inspect Equipment
Check for wear and tear on tubing, seals, and hardware. Clean and replace parts as needed.

Rearrange Decor (Optional)
Reposition driftwood, rocks, or ornaments to improve flow or give fish new hiding spots.

Review Fish Health Trends
Note recurring issues or changes in behavior that could signal bigger problems.

Caring for a Paludarium in Singapore

Interested in a hybrid ecosystem? A paludarium blends land and water environments—perfect for showcasing amphibians, semi-aquatic plants, and reptiles.

In Singapore, paludarium care includes:

• Monitoring humidity and temperature levels in both zones

• Checking misting or fogging systems weekly

• Pruning terrestrial plants to avoid overgrowth

• Cleaning glass and ensuring water circulation in the aquatic section

Proper care will keep your paludarium setup in Singapore lush and balanced.

Expert Tips for Smooth Aquarium Setup and Maintenance

• Quarantine new fish before introducing them to your main tank

• Keep a log of water test results to track long-term trends

• Use automated timers for lights to mimic natural light cycles

• Have a backup air pump or heater in case of emergencies

These small practices make a big difference in the success of your aquarium setup and maintenance.

Keep Your Aquarium Thriving with Green Chapter’s Fish Aquarium Maintenance Services

At Green Chapter, we understand that maintaining a thriving aquatic world is both an art and a science. Whether you need help with fish aquarium maintenance, aquascaping, or building a complete paludarium in Singapore, we’re here to make your dream come to life.

With decades of expertise, we offer end-to-end services—from design and installation to regular maintenance—tailored to homes, businesses, and public exhibits.

Ready to upgrade your aquarium? Contact Green Chapter today and bring your underwater vision to life.