Want to learn how to clean aquarium gravel algae?
When your aquarium is in use, it’s going to start to require maintenance. This comes in various forms both from the outside and inside.
To ensure your fish tank is in good shape and everything is functional, it’s best to clean the aquarium gravel.
This detailed guide is going to showcase how to clean aquarium gravel algae, what to look for in terms of a quality cleaning kit, and why it’s advantageous to keep the fish tank clean.
Best Cleaning Kit for Aquarium Gravel Algae (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
- [ TRANSFER RATES ] Transfers up to 1.5 Gallons per Minute or about 7 Liters per Minute, Empties 10 Gallon Tanks in 7 Minutes...
- [ RECOMMENDED ] Suitable for Water, BPA-FREE: Safe for all aquarium life - Flexible Discharge Hose of 5.5-inch ( 0.45ft ) for...
- [ REPLACE WATER ] Replacing Water from ponds, aquarium, bathtubs, pools, and other water storage structures to keep water...
Last update on 2023-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The TERAPUMP Genuine Aquarium Pond Fish Tank Cleaner is world-class when it comes to learning how to clean aquarium gravel algae. It’s easy to set up, durable, and offers thorough results within minutes. It comes with an all-encompassing design that’s perfect for all types of fish tanks.
With two nozzles, users can easily switch between them to maximize the cleaning process. Whether it is to work away at the algae or to pick up leftover food, this cleaning kit gets the job done.
It’s a perfect addition to your setup as a fish owner.
How To Clean Aquarium Gravel Algae
Assess the Aquarium Gravel First
It’s important to focus on water changes, the aquarium gravel, and how everything is set up.
This is essential.
If you are not taking the time to analyze the water conditions, it is only going to hamper your progress. This is why a lot of fish owners get frustrated and don’t know how to clean aquarium gravel algae.
Focus on analyzing where the gravel is, how much gravel is present, and what needs to be done to get rid of it.
When you assess the aquarium gravel algae, it becomes a lot easier to make firm decisions on what needs to happen next.
In some cases, you may try to use a pan to filter out the gravel but this doesn’t always work. As a result, you will have to invest in a new cleaning kit for aquarium gravel.
Aquarium water is always changing and that’s normal. Water change is a part of being a fish owner, especially since that is where your fish resides.
However, the last thing you want to do is assume something during the cleaning process.
Always visualize the gravel, assess the fish tank’s status, and then come up with a solution. There are times when the aquarium gravel doesn’t need to be cleaned.

Wash with Warm Water
With algae growth and live plants, you want to start with something as simple as warm water.
Once you have cleared the fish out, removed accessories, and placed the aquarium in an open space, it’s time to start using warm water.
The idea behind warm water is simple.
You are going to want to get rid of the surface level mess as soon as possible. A lot of times, splashing warm water into the aquarium will loosen things, especially when it comes to algae growth.
While doing this, it’s okay to use tap water.
Just running the tap into the aquarium will suffice to see how much of it loosens up. In many cases, you are going to get a good amount out with nothing more than this step.
What about the rest though?
In stubborn areas of the fish tank, you are going to take the time to use a fish tank cleaning kit.
The warm water is only for loose materials that are easy to remove. You never want to start using soap and/or detergents inside the aquarium!
This is harmful to the fish and is going to lead to a significant amount of damage.
Be patient and only use warm water during this part of the process.
Use a Fish Tank Cleaning Kit
While you are juggling with different variables such as fish food, algae growth, and aquarium fish, it’s also important to use the right tools.
What are you going to use for aquarium gravel and algae?
As you learn how to clean aquarium gravel algae, it’s all about using the right type of cleaning kit for fish tanks.
There are several options being sold on the market and it comes down to finding a good fit. When you use a good fish tank cleaning kit for aquarium gravel, the results will be apparent immediately.
There are several advantages associated with using a good cleaning kit.
The advantages include:
- Safe Cleaning Process
- Complete Cleaning
- Speedy
With a freshwater aquarium and freshwater fish, it’s also important to use a safer solution such as this kit.
The kit is going to ensure the cleaning process is seamless, easy to manage, and isn’t going to put your fish in harm’s way.
Continue to learn how to clean aquarium gravel algae but make sure it is done the right way. There is never a good reason to cut corners when something as simple as a well-designed cleaning kit should suffice.
Keep this in mind and the process will be a breeze!
Keep the Water Level at Medium Height
When cleaning fish tanks, you have to focus on the tank water level.
Yes, the tank water is going to have to be set at a specific point in the aquarium. In general, you want to aim for the middle of the tank.
This is going to allow the cleaning kit to settle in, Otherwise, the end of the discharge hose isn’t going to latch into place and clean properly.
Aquarium cleaning is all about paying attention to these details.
In most cases, the new cleaning kit for your aquarium will include a set of directions. You want to apply those directions to the cleaning process immediately.
When you set up the suction cup and discharge hose correctly, the cleaning process will rush ahead without hurdles.
Please make sure to keep an eye on the hose when it starts cleaning. There are times when certain problems arise depending on the water level inside. If it starts to fluctuate or it is just below what you need then it is important to add some more.
Don’t let the fish tank stay “as is” because that is only going to lead to below-par results. Plus, you are going to have to repeat the process multiple times before being satisfied and that’s not worth it.

Repeat this Process Until the Water is Clear
Whether it is green algae or brown algae, you will want to repeat the process until it has been cleared out.
The goal is to make sure the aquarium is in good shape heading into the future.
In some cases, you may want to use an algae scraper to help get rid of stubborn areas that aren’t loosening with the cleaning kit. However, modern cleaning kits for aquariums are built to handle rigid algae.
Simply set up the cleaning kit and watch as your tank remains clean year-round.
There are times when you are going to have to clean the tank multiple times. In some cases, it may take 3-4 rounds before the aquarium is ready for use.
During these situations, the goal should remain to focus on the result. You have to be diligent as that is going to matter over the long term when it comes to your fish’s health. When you want to remove algae, this will become necessary.
While there are beneficial bacteria present, it’s still important to do your task properly. It’s all about removing algae and making sure the tank is in pristine condition.
When you are done with the cleaning kit, make sure to give it a quick rinse. This will ensure all of the “gunk” sitting inside is removed correctly.
There are times when the cleaning kit starts to wear down and that is the last thing you want as a fish owner.
Keep the kit in good health, especially if you are using it multiple times to complete the task at hand!
Final Thoughts
This is what it takes to learn how to clean aquarium gravel algae.
The process can be challenging at first but a good cleaning kit should help big time! It’s all about staying calm, assessing the gravel, and then using your kit properly.
If you follow the directions listed in this guide, you will find the process to be as easy as you want it to be.
Read More About Fish: