Aquarium Maintenance Schedule 2026: Daily, Weekly & Monthly Checklists

Consistent maintenance is the difference between a thriving aquarium and a constant struggle with problems. While fish can survive in less-than-ideal conditions, they truly flourish when provided with stable, clean water through regular care. This comprehensive 2026 guide provides detailed checklists organized by frequency—daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and quarterly—ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

2026 Update: Smart aquarium technology now allows for automated monitoring and reminders through apps and connected devices. While automation helps, hands-on observation remains irreplaceable. This guide balances modern convenience with essential manual care.

The Philosophy of Aquarium Maintenance

Why Consistency Matters

Aquatic Ecosystems in Nature:

Water parameters change slowly over seasons
Natural filtration through vast water volumes
Constant renewal through rain and water flow

Aquariums vs. Nature:

Closed system with limited water volume
Waste accumulates without natural dilution
Parameters can shift rapidly
Require artificial intervention to maintain balance

The Maintenance Equation:

Consistent Care + Observation = Healthy Ecosystem

The Consequences of Neglect

Short-term (Days):

Uneaten food: Ammonia spike
Evaporation: Salinity/concentration changes
Equipment failure: Temperature swings, filter issues

Medium-term (Weeks):

Nitrate accumulation: Algae growth, fish stress
Organic buildup: Poor water clarity
Mineral depletion: Plant deficiency
pH drift: Buffering capacity exhausted

Long-term (Months):

Chronic stress: Disease susceptibility
Equipment degradation: Filter failure, heater malfunction
Algae dominance: Ecosystem takeover
Fish health decline: Shortened lifespans

Daily Maintenance Tasks

Morning Check (5 minutes)

Visual Inspection:

All fish present and active
No fish gasping at surface
Normal swimming behavior
No obvious injuries or disease signs
Equipment running (filter flow, lights)
Water clear (no cloudiness)

Quick Parameter Check:

Temperature reading (verify with thermometer)
Heater light on/off as appropriate
Filter output flowing properly
No unusual noises from equipment

Feeding (2-3 times daily)

Morning Feeding:

Appropriate amount (fish eat in 2-3 minutes)
Observe all fish eating
Remove any uneaten food after 5 minutes
Note any fish not eating (potential illness indicator)

Evening Feeding:

Same routine as morning
Last feeding 2-3 hours before lights out
Consider fasting one day per week

Quick Feeding Guidelines by Tank Type:

Tank Type	Frequency	Amount
Community	2x daily	Small pinch
Planted	2x daily	Small amount
African Cichlids	2-3x daily	Small pinches
Predators	Every other day	Larger meals
Fry/Juveniles	3-4x daily	Tiny amounts

Evening Check (5 minutes)

Before Bed Inspection:

All fish accounted for
No signs of aggression or stress
Lights on appropriate schedule (or timer functioning)
Equipment sounds normal
No leaks visible
Water level appropriate (top-off if needed)

Saltwater Specific:

ATO reservoir filled
Protein skimmer cup checked (empty if needed)
Salinity stable (if no ATO)
Coral appearance normal

Weekly Maintenance Day (30-60 minutes)

Choose the same day each week for consistency—many aquarists prefer weekends.

Weekly Maintenance Tasks

Water Changes

Freshwater Tanks:

Volume: 25-30% for standard tanks
Heavily stocked: 30-40%
Planted high-tech: 50%
Equipment: Gravel vacuum, buckets, siphon
Water preparation: Dechlorinate before adding
Temperature match: Within 2°F of tank water
Gravel vacuuming: Clean substrate thoroughly

Saltwater Tanks:

Volume: 10-20% for stability
SPS dominant: 10-15% (small, frequent)
Equipment: Siphon, buckets, prepared saltwater
Water preparation: Mixed 24+ hours, heated
Salinity match: Exact match to tank (1.025)
Temperature match: Exact match
Sand bed: Gently siphon surface only

Water Change Procedure:

Prepare replacement water (before starting)
- Freshwater: Dechlorinate, match temperature
- Saltwater: Mix, aerate, heat to match
Turn off equipment (optional, depends on setup)
- Filter (prevents running dry)
- Heater (prevents overheating)
- CO2 (if high-tech planted)
Clean glass (before draining)
- Remove algae from viewing panels
- Scrape with appropriate tool
Gravel vacuum/Siphon
- Work systematically across tank
- Remove debris from substrate
- Get under decorations (move if needed)
- Remove 25-30% of water
Prune plants (if planted tank)
- Remove dead/dying leaves
- Trim overgrown stems
- Replant cuttings if desired
Clean decorations (as needed)
- Scrub algae off hardscape
- Remove and clean if heavily covered
- Rinse before returning
Filter maintenance (if scheduled)
- Rinse mechanical media in tank water
- Never use tap water (kills bacteria)
- Check for clogs
Add replacement water
- Pour slowly onto plate/surface
- Fill to appropriate level
- Match temperature as you go
Restart equipment
- Check filter flow
- Verify heater function
- Resume CO2 if applicable
Clean external glass
- Wipe water spots
- Clean cabinet/stand
- Organize supplies

Water Testing (Weekly)

Freshwater Basic Panel:

Ammonia: Should be 0 ppm
Nitrite: Should be 0 ppm
Nitrate: Should be <20 ppm
pH: Record value (stable more important than exact)
Temperature: Verify heater accuracy

If Problems Detected:

Ammonia present → Daily testing, water changes
Nitrite present → Tank not cycled, daily water changes
Nitrate high → Increase water change volume/frequency
pH swing → Check KH (buffering)

Saltwater Basic Panel:

If Problems Detected:

Nitrate high → Increase water changes, check feeding
pH low → Check alkalinity, aeration
Alkalinity dropping → Verify dosing system
Salinity off → Check ATO function

Equipment Checks (Weekly)

Filtration System:

Filter intake clear (remove debris)
Filter output flow rate normal
No unusual noises
Pre-filter sponge cleaned
Canister filter: Check pressure (clean if reduced)

Heating System:

Heater light functioning
Temperature stable
Heater free of algae/calcium buildup
Backup heater functional (if dual setup)

Lighting System:

All LEDs functioning
Timer working correctly
Clean fixtures (dust/algae)
Photoperiod appropriate

Air Systems (if applicable):

Air pump running
Air stones clean
Tubing clear
Flow rate appropriate

CO2 Systems (high-tech planted):

Saltwater Specific:

Protein skimmer cup emptied
Skimmer producing foam properly
Return pump flow rate
Powerheads circulating properly
ATO functioning (level sensors clean)

Plant Maintenance (Weekly - Planted Tanks)

Visual Inspection:

No algae overgrowth on plants
New growth visible
No melting/dying leaves
Stem plants not leggy

Maintenance Tasks:

Remove dead/decaying leaves
Trim stem plants (cut tops, replant)
Clean algae from slow growers (Anubias, Ferns)
Fertilize as per schedule
Check for deficiencies:
- Yellow leaves: Nitrogen deficiency
- Holes in leaves: Potassium deficiency
- Pale new growth: Iron deficiency

Fertilization Schedule:

Macros (NPK): Dose as required
Micros (traces): Dose as required
Iron: Dose if needed
Root tabs: Push deeper if exposed

Bi-Weekly Maintenance Tasks

Deep Cleaning (Every 2 Weeks)

Glass and Acrylic:

Scrape all algae from glass (inside)
Clean overflow/trim (if present)
Wipe top rim (prevents mineral buildup)
Clean external glass thoroughly
Polish acrylic (if acrylic tank)

Hardscape:

Move decorations and clean underneath
Scrub driftwood (remove algae)
Clean rocks (brush or scrub)
Vacuum under moved items
Re-aquascape if desired

Filter Deep Clean:

Canister filters: Rinse all media in tank water
Hang-on-back: Clean impeller housing
Sponge filters: Squeeze in tank water
Filter tubing: Check for blockages
Intake strainers: Deep clean

Water Testing (Bi-Weekly Extended Panel)

Freshwater Extended:

General Hardness (GH): Record baseline
Carbonate Hardness (KH): Check buffering
Phosphate: Should be low (<0.5 ppm)
Iron: If heavily planted

Saltwater Extended:

Calcium: 400-450 ppm
Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
Phosphate: <0.03 ppm
Trace elements: If dosing

Equipment Inspection (Bi-Weekly)

Electrical:

Plumbing (saltwater):

Monthly Maintenance Tasks

Major Equipment Service

Filter System Overhaul:

Mechanical media: Replace or deep clean
Biological media: Rinse lightly (don’t over-clean)
Chemical media: Replace carbon, GFO
Impeller: Remove and clean
Seals: Inspect for wear
Tubing: Check for buildup

Heater Maintenance:

Calibrate with separate thermometer
Clean heating element (remove scale)
Check power cord condition
Verify thermostat accuracy
Plan replacement if >3 years old

Lighting Maintenance:

Clean fixture thoroughly (inside and out)
Check LED function (all diodes)
Replace T5 bulbs (if applicable, every 6-12 months)
Clean reflectors
Adjust height/position if needed
Update timer for seasonal changes

CO2 System (if applicable):

Weigh cylinder (plan refill at 25%)
Clean diffuser thoroughly (bleach soak)
Replace tubing if yellowing/stiff
Calibrate drop checker
Check for leaks (soapy water test)

Saltwater Specific:

Protein skimmer: Deep clean, check pump
Return pump: Clean impeller
Powerheads: Clean impellers and cages
UV sterilizer: Clean quartz sleeve, check bulb
ATO system: Deep clean sensors

Comprehensive Water Testing (Monthly)

Complete Freshwater Panel:

Complete Saltwater Panel:

Tank Deep Clean (Monthly)

Substrate Maintenance:

Deep gravel vacuum (move decorations)
Stir sand bed gently (prevent compaction)
Remove detritus accumulation spots
Check for dead spots (low flow areas)

Plant Deep Maintenance:

Hardscape Deep Clean:

Remove and scrub all decorations
Bleach solution (1:20) if needed
Rinse thoroughly, dechlorinate
Clean glass under decorations
Re-aquascape if desired

Saltwater Deep Clean:

Rockwork: Scrub algae, blow off detritus
Sand bed: Siphon accumulated debris
Overflow: Clean thoroughly
Sump: Remove detritus, clean filter socks
Corals: Inspect for pests, algae

Inventory and Planning (Monthly)

Supply Check:

Equipment Status:

Tank Assessment:

Quarterly Maintenance Tasks

Major System Overhauls

Every 3 Months:

Filter Media Replacement:

Replace all chemical media
Consider replacing biological if >2 years
New mechanical media
Clean filter housing thoroughly

Heater Replacement Consideration:

Heaters over 3 years: replace preventively
New heaters: backup for existing
Test both heaters simultaneously

Lighting Assessment:

T5 bulb replacement (every 6 months)
LED output measurement (PAR meter)
Photoperiod adjustment for season
Clean fixtures thoroughly

CO2 Equipment:

Cylinder refill/hydrostatic test
Regulator inspection
Complete tubing replacement
Solenoid valve testing

Saltwater Equipment:

Protein skimmer: Pump rebuild or replacement
Return pump: Thorough service
UV sterilizer: Bulb replacement (annually)
RO/DI system: Filter replacements

Annual Tasks

Yearly Deep Maintenance:

Tank Inspection:

Check silicone seals (freshwater)
Inspect seams for leaks
Clean behind/under tank
Check stand for water damage
Verify level (adjust if settled)

Complete Equipment Audit:

Health Review:

Emergency Maintenance Protocols

Equipment Failure Response

Heater Failure (OFF):

Check power source
Use backup heater immediately
Wrap tank in blankets
Gradual water changes with warmer water
Replace heater ASAP

Heater Failure (ON - Overheating):

Unplug immediately
Remove fish to prepared container
Add ice packs (in bags, floating)
Gradual temperature reduction
Replace heater before reuse

Filter Failure:

Keep media wet (preserve bacteria)
Set up temporary sponge filter (air pump)
Daily water changes until fixed
Repair or replace filter
Monitor ammonia/nitrite closely

Power Outage:

Short term (hours): Insulate tank, minimal opening
Long term (days): Battery backup for filter, generator
Recovery: Gradual restart, monitor parameters

Water Quality Emergency

Ammonia Spike:

Immediate 50% water change
Add ammonia binder (Prime)
Daily testing and water changes
Identify cause (overfeeding, dead fish, etc.)

Disease Outbreak:

Quarantine affected fish
Test all parameters
Consider hospital tank
Treat appropriately
Large water change after treatment

Maintenance by Tank Type

Community Freshwater (Simplified Weekly)

Daily (5 min):

Feed 2x
Visual check

Weekly (30 min):

25% water change with gravel vac
Clean glass
Test ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH
Rinse filter media

Monthly (60 min):

Deep clean decorations
Trim plants
Calibrate heater
Replace carbon (if used)
Full test panel

High-Tech Planted (Intensive Weekly)

Daily (10 min):

Feed
Check CO2 (drop checker)
Dose fertilizers
Visual inspection

Weekly (60-90 min):

50% water change
Gravel vacuum thoroughly
Major plant trimming
Clean glass
Test all parameters
Clean CO2 diffuser
Clean filter

Bi-weekly:

Deep filter clean
Plant propagation
Equipment calibration

African Cichlid (Weekly)

Daily:

Feed 2-3x
Visual check

Weekly:

25-30% water change (heavy filtration)
Clean glass
Test parameters
Rinse filter media (in tank water)
Check rock stability

Bi-weekly:

Deep substrate vacuum
Clean rockwork
Inspect for aggression issues

Saltwater Reef (Intensive)

Daily (10 min):

Visual inspection of all inhabitants
Temperature check
Top-off (if no ATO)
Empty skimmer cup
Feed

Weekly (60-90 min):

10-20% water change
Test ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, alkalinity, salinity
Clean glass
Change filter socks
Empty skimmer cup thoroughly
Check equipment function

Bi-weekly:

Test calcium, magnesium, phosphate
Deep glass cleaning
Inspect corals closely
Clean powerheads

Monthly:

Major equipment service
Coral inspection and maintenance
Sand bed maintenance
Full parameter testing
Replace chemical media

Tools and Supplies Checklist

Essential Maintenance Tools

Water Changes:

Gravel vacuum/siphon (appropriate size)
Buckets (5-gallon, dedicated for aquarium)
Python or similar water changer (optional)
Dechlorinator (freshwater)
Prepared saltwater (saltwater)

Cleaning:

Testing:

Master test kit (liquid)
Additional tests as needed (GH, KH, phosphate)
Thermometer (digital preferred)
TDS meter (saltwater/planted)
Refractometer (saltwater)
pH meter (optional)

Tools:

Record Keeping:

Log book or app
Pen/pencil
Camera (phone)
Calendar (for scheduling)

Recommended Supplies

Maintenance Supplies:

Filter media stock
Chemical media (carbon, GFO)
Food variety
Water treatments
Salt mix (saltwater)
CO2 (high-tech planted)
Fertilizers (planted)

Emergency Supplies:

Backup heater
Sponge filter + air pump
Ammonia binder (Prime, AmGuard)
Quarantine tank setup
Battery backup (air pump)

Maintenance Log Template

Daily Log Entry

Date: ___________

Morning Check:
□ All fish active and present
□ Temperature: _____°F
□ Equipment functioning
□ Notes: _________________________

Feeding:
AM: _________ PM: _________
Uneaten food: Y/N Amount: _______

Evening Check:
□ All fish accounted for
□ Equipment sounds normal
□ No leaks
□ Notes: _________________________

Weekly Log Entry

Date: ___________ Water Change Day

Water Change:
% Changed: _____ Volume: _____ gallons
Gravel vacuum: Y/N
Water parameters match: Y/N

Test Results:
Ammonia: _____ Nitrite: _____ Nitrate: _____
pH: _____ Temperature: _____°F
Other: _________________________

Equipment:
Filter cleaned: Y/N
Heater checked: Y/N
Lights functioning: Y/N

Observations:
Fish health: _________________________
Plant health: _________________________
Issues: _________________________
Actions taken: _________________________

Automation and Smart Technology

2026 Smart Aquarium Options

Automated Dosing:

Two-part dosing pumps (saltwater)
Fertilizer dosing (planted)
Consistent, hands-free maintenance

Monitoring Systems:

Seneye (continuous monitoring)
Apex/GHL (full control)
Smart thermometers
pH monitors

Automated Tasks:

ATO systems (top-off)
Auto-feeders (vacation use)
Timers for lights/CO2
Smart plugs for scheduling

Benefits:

Consistency
Data logging
Early warning systems
Remote monitoring

Limitations:

Don’t eliminate hands-on care
Technology can fail
Still need visual inspection
Cost factor

Tips for Maintenance Success

Establishing Routines

1. Same Day Weekly:

Pick consistent day (weekends work well)
Set phone reminder
Make it non-negotiable

2. Prepare Supplies:

Keep everything organized
One location for all tools
Stock supplies before needed

3. Make It Enjoyable:

Play music or podcasts
Time for observation
Photograph progress
Involve family members

4. Start Simple:

Don’t overcomplicate initially
Master basics before adding tasks
Gradual improvement

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping Water Changes:

Most common mistake
Leads to chronic problems
Harder to fix than prevent

2. Overcleaning Filters:

Kills beneficial bacteria
Can crash cycle
Rinse in tank water only

3. Inconsistent Feeding:

Overfeeding = pollution
Underfeeding = malnutrition
Stick to schedule

4. Ignoring Early Signs:

Small problems become big
Daily observation catches issues
Act on first symptoms

5. Using Tap Water:

Saltwater: Always use RO/DI
Freshwater: Always dechlorinate
Consistency matters

Seasonal Considerations

Spring/Summer:

Monitor for overheating
Watch evaporation rates
Adjust for longer days (lighting)
Plan for vacation maintenance

Fall/Winter:

Monitor heating costs
Check for temperature drops
Adjust for shorter days
Prepare for power outages

Conclusion

Consistent maintenance transforms aquarium keeping from a struggle into a joy. While the checklists in this guide may seem extensive, many tasks take only minutes and quickly become habitual. The key is developing a routine that becomes second nature.

Key Takeaways:

Daily observation is irreplaceable
Weekly water changes are the foundation
Consistency beats intensity
Record keeping helps track trends
Preventive maintenance saves money
Never skip the basics
Make maintenance enjoyable, not a chore

A well-maintained aquarium rewards you with vibrant fish, healthy plants or corals, crystal-clear water, and a peaceful environment. The time invested in proper maintenance pays dividends in the health and beauty of your aquatic ecosystem.

Last Updated: January 2026
Next Review: July 2026
This guide reflects current maintenance practices and best practices as of 2026.