Aquarium Maintenance for Wall Aquariums
A wall aquarium is the ultimate statement in design. With the ability to be wholly buried into the wall or square trimmed, these have the effect of a glass window looking into another world. They utilize floor space to the fullest potential, double as natural room dividers, and create an elegant centerpiece that no ordinary tank can compete with.
But as part of your house, the structures pose some maintenance situations that you won’t find in any run-of-the-mill aquarium book. Due to the limited access points, built-in lighting, and custom filtration, general maintenance requires a fair amount of consideration and unique approaches.
Maintaining A Wall Aquarium
It’s all about access…
The most important rule in maintaining a wall aquarium is accessibility. With free-standing tanks that you can access from multiple sides by walking around them, it isn’t as big a deal, but wall aquariums tend to provide only a couple of access points (generally just the top and, in some cases, one or more side panels).
Before you start your maintenance process, think about how you're going to access it. Wall aquariums are well-made and will have top panels, such as trap doors, for easy access. If you have more than one access point to your system, think about the maintenance required and how you can easily complete the task.
Wall Aquarium Maintenance Tools
For wall aquarium owners, algae scrapers, flexible siphon tubes, and magnetic glass cleaners will become your best friends. With this useful aquarium equipment list, you can get to any spot in your tank without having to bend yourself into a pretzel!
How To Change Water In A Wall Aquarium?
Water Changes for wall aquariums are done differently from regular tanks. The trick is having a system that goes with your installation rather than against it.
With the majority of wall aquariums, the siphon method, even here, is the most convenient of all. But you’re going to have to strategize how to pump out and replace the water. Think about the route your siphon hose will take – will it reach your disposal point without posing a trip or water damage hazard?
For larger setups, a good quality submersible pump to remove the water is what many wall aquarium keepers opt for. These pumps can be dropped down into the tank through the top access panel and attached to a long discharge hose, providing a more effective and controlled method for removing the water.
In refilling, temperature matching is crucial (you can’t just pour in water from different angles to encourage mixing). Measure the water temperature with a reliable temperature probe to ensure the new water matches the temperature in the tank to within a degree or so. Slip in a bit of water conditioner into the replacement water, because mixing will be minimal when you add to the tank.
Reaching the Unreached: Techniques to Maintain Your Glass
Wall aquarium maintenance requirements make glass cleaning one of the most difficult tasks. When it comes to scrubbing of nozzles, traditional scrubbing systems do not always work.
As mentioned, magnetic algae cleaners are a wall aquarium’s best friend. These clever devices enable you to get your inside glass from the outside, so that you can have crystal clear viewing of your epic display. Just be careful using magnetic cleaners on acrylic tanks, as dirt can get stuck between pads and the tank and lead to scratching. Long-handled algae scrapers or a flexible cleaning tool are necessary for the areas that a magnetic cleaner won't be able to reach.
And don’t ignore the outside glass or acrylic. Wall-mounted fish tanks are no different. They can become just as dirty due to dust, fingerprints (very common in classroom aquariums!), etc, on the outside of the aquarium, plus you may have other items around the tank, such as a wall trim and cupboards that collect dust.
Filtration System Maintenance for Wall Tanks
In-wall aquarium filtration systems are generally installed behind the wall or beneath cabinetry, making it difficult to maintain regularly compared to a traditional filter system that is typically easier to access.
Make sure that you know how to safely shut down and restart your system before you perform any filter maintenance. Try to maintain clean filters on a schedule, the same as your regular water changes. That way, you can reduce water levels when necessary, and you have a bit of cushion time should something go wrong. For any filter types that you may have, it is always a good idea to keep a written maintenance schedule, because, like most 'out of sight, out of mind' items, regular cleaning is often forgotten.
You may also want to add service valves and quick-disconnect fittings to your filtration system if you do not already have them. These add-ons expedite everyday service while minimizing the chances of spills and leakage.
Lighting maintenance for wall aquariums
Wall aquariums with built-in lighting systems provide aesthetics that awe; however, they can require special attention. Many wall-mounted aquarium light fixtures or custom-fit installations often require higher-quality bulbs or LED panels (pay attention to the size before purchase).
Once you have decided what type of lighting (and therefore which type of maintenance) your aquarium will require, develop your lighting maintenance schedule around the complexity of your system. LED systems can run for years without much attention, yet when they need servicing, the disassembly required to do so is usually a larger task than standard aquarium light.
Lighting Safety
Use caution while working on any wall aquarium lighting systems to avoid a potentially dangerous electrical issue while performing your wall aquarium maintenance. Taking extra caution will keep both you and your livestock safe.
Water and electricity don’t mix, and the tight spaces near wall installations can pose greater risks. If you aren’t comfortable with electrical work, don’t be afraid to hire professionals, like us at Reefco Aquariums!
Feeding and Daily Care Adaptations for Wall Aquariums
Feeding schedules can differ in wall tanks due to having limited access, making feeding more difficult. It all depends on the types of species of fish and corals, and their locations in the tank.
When designing and installing a wall aquarium, we recommend also installing a feeding port or removable feeding panel. This small opening makes feeding much easier, without the need for the main tank access panels to be unlocked and opened, thus less chance of increased evaporation rates, and less risk of disturbing your aquatic life.
An automatic feeder can be particularly advantageous for wall fish tanks or those that are difficult to access. These systems help maintain regular feeding schedules as well as reduce the amount of daily maintenance. We love the HYDROS WiFi Fish Feeder. This high-tech equipment lets you feed your fish wirelessly, plus it is suitable for a wide variety of fish food types.
Preparing for Emergencies: What to Do if Something Bad Happens
Wall fish tanks need further emergency procedures because they have essentially become part of your house. Leaks, for example, can result in major building damage, and unlike equipment failures in a free-standing aquarium, built-in wall aquariums are likely to be more difficult to fix in a hurry.
We recommend keeping an emergency aquarium on hand somewhere, with temporary pumps and emergency lights, and leak-repair supplies. Be aware of your primary water shutoffs and electrical breakers for the aquarium system, so you can act swiftly if something does go wrong.
Install a leak detection kit with a water level/leak detector, particularly for large wall applications. These early leak detection systems have the potential to stop small problems before they become huge ones.
Knowing When to Call in the Experts
There is a small amount of upkeep performed by enthusiasts themselves but sometimes, calling a professional for help is more practical with wall aquariums. Also, complex repair of filtering systems, electric work, or structural alterations should all be carried out by experienced experts.
This is where specialists such as the Reefco Aquariums Maintenance Team really come into their own. Understanding the challenges involved in the design, installation, and maintenance of in-wall aquariums, experts in wall aquarium services are available to provide help.
Summary
A wall aquarium system is a lot of fun, but it’s not like sending a man to the moon. The methods and tactics are unconventional (for the aquarium-keeping world), but the benefits are exceptional. And a properly maintained wall aquarium is so much more than a fish tank; it’s a living architectural element that enriches your space in ways that nothing else will.
Whether you are designing your first wall aquarium or simply attempting to enhance the processes of current installation maintenance, knowledge of these particular challenges and solutions can help keep your underwater masterpiece an impressive and inspiring feature for many years.
If you would like to learn more about wall aquarium maintenance or need some extra help with your upkeep, contact Reefco Aquariums today!
