Do the Smell Test

To maintain the health of the fish as well as the clarity of the water, koi ponds must be cleaned on a regular schedule. If you can detect the odor of rotting eggs while standing on the edge of the pond, you need a heavy-duty cleaning procedure for your pond. Before you get started on the cleaning project, be sure you have a washing tub or small wading pool available filled with de-chlorinated water to safely hold the koi fish until you are ready to reintroduce them to the cleaned pond.

Safe Removal of Fish During Cleaning Process

Once the fish are removed, use a net skimmer to remove all debris at the bottom of the pond, along with any debris floating on the surface of the water. Be sure to retrieve snails, dragonflies and any other aquatic animals for later placement back into the water rather than tossing them. After removing the debris, drain about one-quarter of the pond’s water and replace that with fresh water that has been de-chlorinated.

Supply Adequate Oxygen

Water pumps and air stones are helpful in providing the water in the pond with enough oxygen to safely return the fish to the water. Instead of returning the fish to the entire pond, place each of them in a large bowl with an airstone and submerse them into the newly cleaned water. Doing this allows the fish to gradually acclimate themselves to the temperature of the newly cleaned water.

Within 30 minutes of letting the fish get accustomed to the water temperature in their bowls, you can allow them to swim free into the rest of the pond.

In-Between Heavy-Duty Cleanings

In between heavy duty cleanings, you can keep the koi fish in the water and simply drain about 10 to 20% of the water and replenish it with fresh de-chlorinated water very gradually.

Using Water Vegetation

Other ways to keep pond water clean and looking fresh is to add water lilies to your pond. They float lazily on the surface of the water and look beautiful, all the while they are helping to keep the pond water free of green scum and algae.

Ask your landscaping or gardening expert for advice on the best type of both floating and submerged water plants to include in your koi pond. The installation of this vegetation will help to naturally rid the pond’s water of the build-up of organic waste materials. Adding pond salt as well as installing a waterfall can also help keep the fish and your koi pond water refreshed.

Cleaning your puppies ears will take time and patience, puppies normally do not like their ears messed with but with regular practice they quickly begin to accept the cleaning.

To start be sure you have all your materials together and a secure place to hold your pup.

Things you may need include:

• Cotton Balls
• Baby Oil
• Cotton Swabs
• Commercial Ear Cleaner
• Ear Powder
• Gauze Pads

Method One for cleaning the ears is to use a gauze pad and gently wipe the debris from the inside ear flap and from inside the ear canal as far as your finger can comfortably reach. You may use baby oil to help loosen any dirt that is stuck to the ear, being careful not to dig or scrape at the skin.

Method Two is to use cotton balls dipped in baby oil to gently rub the dirt from the ear both the outer flap and the canal itself. Make sure you only use a minimal amount of oil, just enough to start loosening the dirt, not so much that is runs about the ear.

Method Three is to purchase a commercially available cleaning solution and use cotton swabs to apply the cleaner to the ears, then use an ear powder to coat the ear and promote drying. Carefully follow the directions given on the packaging and take care to use only the amount of product needed.

For dogs who have chronic ear problems such as itching, odor, shaking of the head or extreme desire to press the ear into you when petting, you should seek the direction of a qualified veterinarian. These issues could be symptoms of underlying medical problems such as ear mites, infection or debris lodged into the ear. Be especially aware with dogs who have long ears, floppy ears or ears with hair inside them, these breeds tend to have more ear problems because of the dark, un-aired and dirt hiding environment they provide.

So to ensure your pet healthy ears and long lasting hearing check the ears on a regular basis, clean them once a week and be aware of any changes in the color, odor or amount of wax in the ears. Anytime you notice a change in the ear that lasts for more than a few days or returns after cleaning, seek the advice of a professional right away.

June Cleaver Technique

Firstly, you can go the old fashioned route. Transfer your fish (and its water) to another container. DON’T take your fish, sans water, to another tank- the temperature change is enough to send Nemo into shock, and unlike the movie, he won’t be faking death when he hits the toilet water. Run the fishbowl and decorative pieces under moderately warm water, tending to each item. If you have rocks or gravel at the bottom, move them around under the flow of water to ensure you got every piece. Another health risk to your fish is using soap- no amount of rinsing can assure that the harmful chemicals are completely washed away. To put your fish back, make sure the clean water your put in the tank is the same temperature as the water the fish was in while you cleaned the tank.

Shamu and Conditioner

Water conditioner is a liquid for your bowl that’s strictly for your fish’s health. It neutralizes the chemicals in tap water that could potentially be harmful. Cleaning to the bowl may be tedious, but cleaning out a dead fish isn’t a good alternative.

Scrubbing Bubbles

If you’re looking to get grime and algae off the walls of your tank, you have one of two options. Scrubbing the tank using the first technique in this article, along with a wash cloth or sponge may work, but beware of spreading the germs around. Make sure you thoroughly rinse the bowl (and toss the cloth) afterward. If you’re not a hands-on fish owner, look into buying a “sucker fish.” These algae-eating fish are sold at pet stores, and they literally suck the algae off of the bowl’s walls. They’re generally non-combative with other fish, and reduce your cleaning responsibilities significantly.

Climate Cop-out

For those who hate cleaning but can’t stand the sight of their dirty fish tank, consider outdoor “storage” for your pet. Small ponds and dwelling areas are perfect for goldfish and the like, and also give them more room to grow and swim. Out of sight, out of mind can’t apply here- you obviously still have to feed them regularly. Also keep in mind that temperature and climate have an effect on these fish, so talk to a professional at the pet store before you toss your tank and start digging.

For daily aquarium cleaning, all you have to do is inspect the tank to see if there is any dead fish and monitor the temperature.

Should there be a dead fish, scoop it out immediately as this could also harm the other fish. As for the temperature, the aquarium should be at 77 degrees. If it is higher, start worrying because it won’t be long before algae will start to grow in the aquarium.

For a weekly cleaning, you must use a siphon which is similar to a vacuum cleaner so you can remove the waste that is on the surface of the gravel. It will also be a good idea to replace some of the water inside the aquarium. Just be sure to monitor the ammonia, nitrate and pH level as this could also be harmful to your fish.

Lastly is cleaning the aquarium monthly which is the most tiring of the three. This requires moving the fish to a temporary location, removing everything from the aquarium and cleaning the contents inside, replacing the water as well as returning the fish and the contents to the way it was.

Before you do any of that, make sure that the heater, filter and any other electronic equipment you use for the aquarium is turned off.

How long it takes to clean the aquarium depends on the size which you have at home. So just take your time as you are doing it so you are able to clean it thoroughly. If you don’t have time to clean your aquarium, don’t worry because you can probably find someone who does this for a living to come over and do the dirty work.

A general rule when you clean your aquarium is that you must never use soap or any household cleaner as this is dangerous for your fish. When you replace the water, never change more than 50% of it at a time.

Before you put the fish back in, use some type of chlorine removing solution or conditioning salt as this will help prevent the fish from getting sick.

Cleaning the aquarium is important so that you are fish will be happy. Although it takes a bit of time and effort, it is a small price you have to pay when you decide to have fish inside your home.