Pristine Aquarium Décor: Safe Cleaning Methods for Fish Tank Ornaments

A Healthy Tank Starts with Clean Ornaments

A sparkling aquarium isn’t just visually pleasing, it’s essential for the health of your fish. While regular water changes and filter maintenance are key, many aquarists overlook the impact of dirty ornaments. Over time, uneaten food, fish waste, and algae can build up on decorations, affecting both the aesthetic and the delicate balance of the tank environment.

Knowing how to clean fish tank ornaments properly is vital for reducing harmful bacteria and algae, keeping your tank looking great, and most importantly, protecting your aquatic life. But not all cleaning products are aquarium-safe, many contain harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, or antibacterial agents that can disrupt the water’s ecosystem.

Some even carry a warning symbol on the packaging indicating they’re harmful to aquatic life – a red flag for fishkeepers.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the safest, most effective methods to clean your aquarium décor using Bio-D’s Fragrance Free Washing Up Liquid, a gentle yet effective option that’s biodegradable, non-toxic, and completely free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and animal testing.

Best of all, none of Bio-D’s products are harmful to aquatic life – peace of mind for you and protection for your fish.

Why Clean Aquarium Ornaments Regularly?

Fish tank ornaments, rocks, plants, castles, shipwrecks, do more than decorate your tank. They provide hiding places, enrichment, and a sense of security for your fish. But they also act as surfaces for biofilm and algae to accumulate.

Left uncleaned, these decorations can:

• Contribute to ammonia spikes
• Encourage harmful algae blooms
• Harbour waste and uneaten food
• Dull the overall appearance of the tank

By incorporating regular cleaning of ornaments into your tank maintenance routine, you improve both water quality and fish well-being.

Understanding Ornament Materials

Different ornament types require different care. Here’s how to safely clean them without causing damage:

• Ceramic/Resin Ornaments: Most common tank decorations; durable but porous. Avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent wear.
• Plastic Plants: Prone to algae build-up; clean gently to avoid tearing leaves.
• Natural Rocks/Driftwood: May alter water chemistry; avoid using soap, rinse well if cleaned.
• Glass Ornaments: Easy to clean but may scratch if abrasive tools are used.

Always confirm that decorations are aquarium-safe and haven’t been painted or glazed with materials that could leach into the water.

How to Remove Ornaments Without Stressing Your Fish

Fish can become stressed if the environment changes suddenly. Follow these steps to reduce impact when removing decorations:

1. Turn off tank lights to calm your fish.
2. Use clean hands or dedicated aquarium tongs to remove ornaments gently.
3. Avoid removing all decorations at once, this can disrupt territories and cause anxiety in tank mates.
4. Temporarily place the items in a bucket of tank water to keep beneficial bacteria alive if you’re cleaning multiple ornaments over time.

Safe Cleaning with Bio-D Fragrance Free Washing Up Liquid

When choosing a cleaning agent for aquarium ornaments, it’s crucial to avoid antibacterial agents, artificial fragrances, and harsh surfactants. Bio-D’s Fragrance Free Washing Up Liquid is ideal because it’s:

• 100% hypoallergenic
• Free from perfumes, dyes, and synthetic chemicals
• Made with naturally derived ingredients
• Fully biodegradable and safe when thoroughly rinsed

Step-by-Step Cleaning Instructions:

1. Prepare a Basin of Warm Water: Fill a container or sink with warm (not hot) water.
2. Add a Few Drops of Bio-D Fragrance Free Washing Up Liquid: A little goes a long way, don’t overdo it.
3. Soak Ornaments for 10–15 Minutes: This loosens dirt and algae.
4. Scrub Gently with a Soft Brush or Toothbrush: Focus on crevices and algae-prone areas. Avoid metal or abrasive scrubbers.
5. Rinse Thoroughly with Clean Water (Preferably Dechlorinated): Rinse at least twice to ensure all soap residue is removed. Any leftover soap, even a small amount, can be harmful to fish.
6. Optional: Soak in Tank Water Before Reintroduction: Place cleaned items in a bucket of tank water for 10–15 minutes to match temperature and pH levels.

Removing Stubborn Algae

Sometimes algae stains require a bit more effort. Try these safe solutions:

• Manual Scraping: Use a dedicated aquarium scraper or brush with firm bristles.
• Glass & Mirror Soak: For glass or non-porous ornaments, a 1:1 soak can help loosen tough algae. Rinse extremely well afterward.
• UV Exposure: Dry the ornaments in direct sunlight for a few hours, this naturally neutralises algae spores.

Never use bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or disinfectant sprays on aquarium items. These can linger and cause harm even after rinsing.

Tips to Prevent Future Algae Build Up

Prevention is the best cure. Keep your ornaments cleaner for longer with these strategies:

• Reduce direct light exposure—algae thrives in excess light.
• Feed fish only what they can consume in 1–2 minutes to limit nutrient waste.
• Add algae eaters like nerite snails or otocinclus catfish if appropriate.
• Clean ornaments monthly or more often in high-stock tanks.

Creating a Maintenance Schedule

Cleaning frequency depends on tank conditions, bioload, and lighting. Here’s a general guide:

Keep Bio-D’s Fragrance Free Washing Up Liquid close to your fishkeeping supplies to make the process safe and convenient. With 5L refill options, you can top up as needed while reducing plastic waste, better for your wallet and the planet.

And with zero impact on aquatic ecosystems, it’s the responsible choice for eco-conscious aquarists.

Reintroducing Ornaments Safely

After cleaning, ensure the ornaments:

• Are completely free of soap residue
• Match the tank’s water temperature (to avoid shocking fish)
• Are added one or two at a time if multiple were removed

Place items in familiar spots to reduce territorial disruption. Observe fish behaviour for a few hours after reintroduction to ensure minimal stress.

Keep Your Tank Sparkling and Your Fish Thriving

Clean tank ornaments don’t just look good, they’re a crucial part of fish health and water quality. With Bio-D’s Fragrance Free, plant-based products, you can clean effectively without putting your aquatic life or the planet at risk.

We believe safe cleaning should mean safe for everyone, including the smallest tank inhabitants

Regular cleaning, gentle methods, and eco-friendly products are the trio for a truly thriving aquarium.

Clean fish tank ornaments the natural way, with Bio-D, where sustainability meets aquarium safety.Bottom of Form