TOP TIPS FOR CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER

By @MicksfishUk’s

Experienced hobbyist MicksfishUK is known for maintaining impressively clear water in enormous aquariums housing very large, dirty fish. How does he do it? He’s provided the following tips to help you maintain healthy, crystal-clear water as well!

Be sure to check out his Instagram account and his YouTube channel for more great content and helpful insights!

1) USE AN EFFECTIVE, HIGH-QUALITY FILTER
I use Fluval FX6s on my aquariums – they’re easy to set up and have a huge media capacity. I have 3 FX6 filters on my 2000L monster tank, and 2 on my 660L discus tank, and the water is always perfectly clear! Check out what I use inside my filters here.

2) FLUVAL WATER CARE PRODUCTS
I use Fluval AquaPlus Water Conditioner and Fluval Biological Enhancer twice a week when I do my water changes to immediately optimize the water quality and clarity.

3) FLUVAL PREMIUM CARBON BITUMINIOUS
Carbon removes harmful toxins and the tannins produced by driftwood from the water column. I change the carbon in each of the FX6 filters once a month.

4) REGULAR WATER CHANGES
Frequent, regular water changes are very important for water clarity. The frequency of water changes obviously depends on the size of the aquarium and the quantity and species of fish! I perform a 50% water change twice a week on my 2000L tank, which houses an Asian arowana, a silver arowana, a variety of plecos, clown loaches, silver dollars, bichirs and oscars. My 660L tank, which houses discus and clown loaches, receives a 30% water change twice a week.

5) BOTTOM FEEDERS ARE YOUR BEST FRIENDS!
Loaches (clown loaches are suitable for monster fish tanks, if they’re big enough) and corydoras (perfect for small community aquariums) sieve through the substrate and keep it looking immaculate. These species require a fine sand substrate, so keep that in mind when setting up and stocking your aquarium!

Factors that can significantly impact the water clarity in your aquarium:
– Substrate: if using substrate, make sure it is well washed and free of debris. A light / natural color substrate will help make the tank look brighter and clearer!

– Driftwood: all natural wood pieces will leach tannins into the aquarium water – the extent and rate at which this happens depends on the type of wood.