It was the first time I'd had to do it since buying my aquarium and as I'd had dire warnings from the pet shop owner about how easy it was to upset the chemical balance in the tank etc, I was understandably nervous about my ability to not kill off all its inhabitants.
One of the main reasons for cleaning my fish tank, besides of course the health of my fish, was the smell it was emitting.
It was like a cross between unwashed teenage boy trainers and the moss that lurks in dark, damp backyards. It was becoming increasingly noticeable as the days went on. First of all it was only when I was next to the tank, a few days later the smell reached me on the sofa and the final nail in the coffin was opening the door of my apartment and being hit with a wall of stench.
I could put it off no longer. Telling my girlfriend I had to stay in that night because I was cleaning my fish tank didn't go down very well. She took it as a euphemism, rather like 'I'm washing my hair tonight' and put down the phone in a sulk.
This of course made me even happier about what I was about to do and I tried desperately to come up good reasons why I couldn't do it, and then I looked over at the tank.
I couldn't see the fish. They were in there, it was just that the glass on the tank was so covered in green junk I couldn't even see through it any longer.
The pet shop owner told me that I would know when the time was right for cleaning my fish tank and gave me three things to look out for as an indication.
The first was the smell, the second was when the glass was dirty, and the third was a tank full of expensive and colorful dead bodies!
Guessing that sign number three was imminent; I bit the bullet and got down to business. I followed the pet shop guy's step-by-step instructions which I'd written down on a piece of paper with the imaginative heading I'd given it of 'what I need to do when I'm cleaning my fish tank'.
I siphoned, I vacuumed my gravel, I scraped my glass and did everything the way I should have done it. In fact I have to say, it was all really rather satisfying and though I hate to admit, I quite enjoyed it.
The end result was of course well worth it. I can see my fish again, the water no longer smells funky and nor does my apartment.
Next time I won't put off cleaning my fish tank for so long, in fact I'm looking forward to it.
When most people hear the words "water damage," they think of leaking roofs or overflowing toilets. However, water damage comes from many sources including leaking fish tanks, over watered house plants, chimney leaks, stucco walls leaking, air conditioners freezing up, and more. Let's take a look at some of these unusual water damage sources.
Is that a crack in your fish tank? Any item in your home that holds water is a potential water damage source including fish tanks, water fountains, lava lamps, and flower vases. Obviously, the larger the vessel, the more damage potential the item has. Aquariums are often made out of several panes of glass. While carefully crafted, seams can leak. In addition, fish tanks can fall off of their stands.
Homes with built-in fish ponds can also suffer water damage when the pond leaks, the pond overflows, or water becomes displaced. If you have small children in the home, an interior fish pond is not a wise idea. Not only can toddlers fall in and drown, children have been known to splash water as well as fill fish ponds with toys, thus displacing water and causing water damage to carpets and floorboards.
Houseplants are attractive when properly watered and cared for. However, excessive watering can lead to water damage. Pots generally contain drainage holes which are necessary to prevent root rot and excessively moist soil. If you don't have a place for the water to drain, the water will soak through the soil and onto the surface below, damaging the shelves, cabinets, and flooring beneath.
Chimneys are another water damage source that are often overlooked. Missing or damaged chimney caps, cracks in the bricks, and missing chunks of mortar allow water to enter the home via the chimney. Water damage may not be readily apparent in these cases though the excess moisture provides the perfect environment for mold to thrive.
The same is true of stucco exterior surfaces. Cracks in the stucco can cause the walls to leak. Depending on how the home is constructed, water damage may remain hidden for some time as the water may be contained inside the walls. For example, interior insulation may soak up most of the water, much like a sponge. When this happens, the water may be slowly damaging the electrical systems as well as encouraging the growth of mold. When the insulation becomes saturated, water stains may begin to show on the interior walls and seepage may begin.
Air conditioners and heating systems also cause water damage, primarily due to condensation. When air conditioners get too cold, they "freeze" up. The ice on the air conditioner's coils eventually melts, causing water damage. Central air conditioners and heating systems usually have a hose and drainage system for condensate. However, these systems can become clogged or can overflow, causing water damage.
Refrigerators are another source of water damage. Much like air conditioners, refrigerators condense and water forms. A collection pan under the appliance collects this condensate. However, this pan should be emptied occasionally, or the water may overflow. In addition, built-in water dispensers and ice makers require special water lines. These lines can come loose or break, causing water damage.
Water damage can occur under many situations. Remember, where there's water, there's the potential for future water damage.
Both Douglas Taylor & Mark Decherd are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Douglas Taylor has sinced written about articles on various topics from Interest, Web Development and Interest. For more information on cleaning try visiting. Douglas Taylor's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.
Mark Decherd has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family, Health and Aquarium Fish. Dryout? Inc. 1415 Colonial Blvd. Fort Myers, Fl. 33907 Mr. Mark Decherd