Caring for Your Glass Aquarium: Cleaning, Scratches and Safe Handling

A young woman poses with a net next to vibrant fish tanks in an aquarium store, showcasing an engaging pet shop scene.

A well-kept glass aquarium stays crystal clear for years. Here is how to clean it safely, avoid scratches, and handle it without drama.

Cleaning without chemicals

Never use household glass cleaner, soap, or detergent on an aquarium — residues are toxic to aquatic life. For the inside, an aquarium-safe algae scraper or a clean sponge kept only for tank use is all you need. For the outside, a damp microfibre cloth followed by a dry one leaves the glass streak-free.

Avoiding scratches

Most scratches happen when a grain of substrate gets trapped between a scraper and the glass. Rinse cleaning pads before every pass, keep metal blades at a shallow angle, and never drag decor across the base. Float glass is durable, but it is not scratch-proof — gentle habits keep it looking new.

Moving and handling

Always move a tank completely empty — never lift a tank with water, substrate, or livestock inside, as the uneven load can stress the seams. Carry it from the base, not the top rim, with one person per 60cm of tank length. When in storage, keep the tank upright and never stack anything on the glass.

If your tank ever arrives with transit damage, remember our 48-hour reporting window — see the Delivery Policy for how free replacements work.

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