Aquarium Maintenance Tools – What Are The Essentials?

Which aquarium maintenance tools are essential? This is a frequent question that many aquarists have asked themselves. Based on our experience, we would like to help you find an answer. We'll also provide you with lists of essential tools and a few "nice to have" tools. It doesn't matter if you're just starting in the hobby or have been doing it for years. This article is worth a look.

Essential Aquarium Maintenance Tools

Scissors – Should serve exclusively for plant cutting, trimming, and pruning. Specially developed scissors for aquaristics are made of stainless steel, convincing with precise cut and ergonomics. Having a great pair of scissors is as essential for the planted aquarium as it is for the barbershop.

Tweezers (Pinsettes) – Tweezers are a must if you want to keep plants in your aquarium. Aquatic plants can be easily and precisely inserted into the substrate with these stainless-steel tools. There is no way around a good pair of tweezers when planting aquariums.

Algae and debris removal tools – In this category, several tools range from brushes and algae removal sponges to algae scrapers. Such tools should be included in every maintenance kit, as your aquarium won't shine without them.

Pipe brushes – These will help to clean the inside of the filter hoses because, over time, algae and other deposits will become visible, which is quite natural but not particularly esthetic. The brushes should be used only for hoses, not cleaning glassware in- and outlets. For this purpose, we recommend using one of the ADA Spring Washers, depending on the in- and outlet size. These are additional brushes for gentle cleaning of such glassware.

Water change system tools - These are made to make aquarium water changes more effortless, and they do. We highly recommend implementing a well-designed water change system because it makes the water change more accessible and faster. There are a few options for this. They range from the simple hose with buckets to water change sets directly connecting the aquarium and the water sink or tap.

Fish nets – There are times when we need to capture the livestock. Perhaps a move is just around the corner, a new aquarium is purchased, or a fish is sick and needs to be isolated for a while. Fish nets are also helpful when pruning plants, specifically when picking up the plant cuttings which float on the water surface.

Essential Maintenance Tool Lists – From Entry To Premium Level

Following are our three maintenance tool lists whose products fulfill their purpose and are consistently recommendable. Just a brief info beforehand: The most significant differences in the list comparison, in terms of quality and price, you can find in the stainless steel tools (scissors, tweezers, algae scrapers).

Entry Level Tools

• Chihiros curved scissors – 21 cm
• Chihiros straight tweezer – 25 cm
• Tetratec Aquarium Glass Scraper (algae/debris removal)
• Green Aqua steel and plastic cleaning brush set (algae/debris removal)Green Aqua Brush (soft) for maintenance (algae/debris removal ideal for cleaning aquarium corner connections)
• Chihiros pipes brush with two heads – 155 cm (algae/debris removal)
• Green Aqua Transparent Filter Hose 12/16 mm individually about 4-8 m (part of self-assembled water change kit)
• JBL ProClean Aqua In-out Water Jet Pump (part of self-assembled water change kit)
• Oase fish net – (several sizes)

Advanced Level Tools

• DOOA Scissor Curve type - S – 17 cm
• DOOA Aqua Pincette - M - 25.5 cm
• Chihiros algae scraper 65 cm (algae/debris removal)
• Green Aqua steel and plastic cleaning brush set (algae/debris removal)
• Green Aqua Brush (soft) for maintenance (algae/debris removal ideal for cleaning aquarium corner connections)
• Chihiros pipes brush with two heads – 155 cm
• Oase Gravel Cleaner R inclusive 2.3 m hose (part of self-assembled water change kit)
• Green Aqua Transparent Filter Hose 12/16 mm individually about 2-6 m (part of self-assembled water change kit)
• JBL ProClean Aqua In-out Water Jet Pump (part of self-assembled water change kit)
• Oase fish net – (several sizes)

Premium Level Tools

• ADA Pro Scissors Short - Curve type – 17 cm
• ADA Pro Pinsettes - M - 21 cm
• ADA Pro Razor 40 cm
• ADA Pro Brush (algae/debris removal)
• Green Aqua Brush (soft) for maintenance (algae/debris removal ideal for cleaning aquarium corner connections)
• Chihiros pipes brush with two heads - 155cm (algae/debris removal)
• Dennerle Cleanator Sponge (algae/debris removal)
• JBL ProClean Aqua In-out Set complete
• Oase fish net – (several sizes)

Extra Tools – The "Nice To Have" Ones

Surface Skimmer – Placed inside the aquarium, these little helpers free the water surface from the visible film of microorganisms and pollution, which develops in almost every aquarium. In addition, a surface skimmer actively contributes to the gas exchange in your aquarium.

EDEN 501 Aquarium cleaner – Provides a stress-free suction of debris and plant residues. The Eden 501 works like a small external filter and doesn't withdraw water from the aquarium, instead returning it filtered. A filter sponge catches the plant residues and debris.

Benefits:

• Suction of plant cuttings and debris independent of water changes.
• No time limit compared to the suction of debris during a water change.
• The aquarium filter can be active simultaneously, so beneficial filter bacteria do not risk dying due to lack of oxygen. O2 deficiency can occur if the regular filter is out of service for more than 45-60 minutes.

Eheim MultiBox - maintenance box – This practical maintenance container can be hooked to the aquarium glass. Some maintenance tools find space to be hung up at the side of the box, also offering plenty of room for plant cuttings and other wet items. It can also be used for the acclimation of livestock.

ADA Spring Washer – A handy washing brush with a flexible wire for glass in- and outlets. It makes the removal of light to moderate deposits on glassware a breeze.

Finally, Give Your Tools A Home

We use the RÅSKOG serving trolley, which a well-known Scandinavian furniture store has in its range. This trolley is a practical and handy storage solution for our aquarium tools. If you are more interested in design, why not treat yourself to the ADA FC Tool Stand and showcase your stainless steel tools.

Do you have more questions about aquarium maintenance tools?

Don't hesitate to contact our friendly customer service. We will answer all your aquarist-related questions.