Weekly (15 minutes)
20-30% water change with dechlorinator. Glass cleaning (inner wall only). Trim any overgrown stems.
Check for dead plant matter and remove. Dead leaves pollute water silently.
Bi-Weekly (30 minutes)
Dose liquid ferts according to label. Test water parameters (nitrate, pH) to detect trends.
Rinse filter sponge in tank water — never tap water (kills bacteria).
Monthly (1 hour)
Deep substrate vacuum (only top layer). Replace root tabs as needed. Prune all plants heavily to promote new growth.
Spot-clean algae on decor. Clean glass from inside with algae scraper.
Quarterly (2 hours)
Clean filter mechanical media (foam) more thoroughly. Test water with full kit (including KH, GH, phosphate).
Rotate plants if needed — move fast-growing stems away from slow anubias.