As the seasons change and warmer weather returns, spring is the perfect time to refresh more than just your home—your aquarium deserves a little attention, too. A seasonal cleaning and care routine not only enhances your aquarium’s appearance, but also plays a critical role in supporting the health and vitality of your aquatic pets.

At Hikari®, we understand that maintaining a thriving aquatic environment starts with consistent care, high-quality nutrition and optimum water conditions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you spring clean your tank and keep your fish in peak form.

1. Inspect Your Equipment

Begin your spring cleaning by checking all your equipment. Look for signs of wear on your filter, heater, air pump, and lighting. Clean out the filter components if necessary and replace worn-out filter media. Care should be taken to avoid eliminating all the beneficial bacteria at one time. Also, check the impeller if your filter uses one to be sure it can provide stable flow. A well-functioning system helps maintain stable water parameters and a healthier habitat.

2. Partial Water Changes Matter

Winter months can bring inconsistent maintenance routines, so now’s the time to get back on track. Perform a partial water change consistently. Here more is better and we suggest a minimum of 25–30% bi-weekly to remove excess nutrients and waste. Be sure to treat tap water with a quality water conditioner like Ultimate® or ClorAm-X® to remove chlorine and chloramines. Nothing can bring about more consistent success than regular water changes.

3. Remove Algae and Clean Surfaces

Algae buildup is common during months with less frequent care. If algae is a serious issue in your tank, we recommend using  a day/night schedule for the lights for no more than 8 to 10 hours per day. You can use a gentle algae scraper or a clean sponge to clean the inside of your tank, and rinse decorations in old tank water to avoid harming beneficial bacteria. Avoid using soap or harsh chemicals, as these can be toxic to fish.

4. Refresh or Rearrange Decor

Spring is also great time to refresh your aquascape. Consider replanting live plants, trimming overgrowth, or rearranging hardscape to create new hideouts and stimulation for your fish. Just be careful not to stress them too much with drastic changes. This is also a good time to make the switch from plastic plants to live plants if this is your desire.  Live plants also help naturally remove nitrites from your ecosystem and improve overall water quality. With over a 100 species of plants in all sizes and colors, live plants are a great addition to any aquarium.

5. Support Immune Health with Proper Nutrition

Seasonal changes can stress fish, making them more vulnerable to illness. A high-quality, species-specific diet helps strengthen immune response and overall vitality. Hikari® offers a wide range of scientifically formulated foods—from Saki-Hikari®, Bio-Pure® frozen diets, and Micro Pellets to species-specific solutions like Cichlid Gold®, Goldfish Excel®, and Algae Wafers.

These world class diets include key ingredients like stabilized vitamin C, prebiotics, probiotics, and color-enhancing nutrients that promote long-term health and vibrant coloration.

6. Observe Your Fish

Take time to observe your fish after cleaning. Watch for signs of stress or illness, and make sure everyone is adjusting well to their refreshed environment. Healthy fish should be active, alert, eating normally and displaying their other natural behaviors.

7. Set Seasonal Maintenance Goals

Use this time to reset your aquarium maintenance calendar. Set reminders for water changes, filter checks, and feeding schedules. Smaller more frequent feedings can also be beneficial to your fish and their environment. Establishing a consistent care routine helps ensure your aquarium stays healthy all year long.

A Fresh Start for Your Fish

Spring cleaning isn’t just about appearances—it’s about giving your aquatic friends the best environment possible to thrive. With regular care, great water conditioners and premium nutrition from Hikari®, your aquarium will continue to be a source of beauty, balance, and aquatic health. Most of all, more enjoyable for you, your family and friends.

Ready to support your fish with the best in aquatic nutrition? Explore Hikari® fish foods online!