How does one get to the tank to clean with mild soap and water?
1259752
The pump is integrated into the top of the unit - it sits on top of the tank. In the picture, the black lower portion is all tank, the pump intake and float hang from the bottom of the top white portion of the unit. To get to the tank, just lift the top section off and you can easily clean the tank, pump intake, float and everything else which is on the underside of the top section. I usually clean it out once every 6 months.
1259753
when i replaced my pump, i disassembled the old one. it was one ugly mess in side the tank. i think i would unpluging the pump amd pouring some bleach in one of the unused, caped holes on the top of the tank. let it set for 20 minutes and plug the pump back in and flush the tank. i don't think the pump would be hurt by the bleach if you flush it with clean water. but to take that thing apart and clean it will, will turn your stomach. you then have to get it back together.
1495830
Have not had the need to. I would think a mild dish soap and water would work.
999290
I would use warm water or maybe some Woolite to clean the inside. That would be gentle enough. If you are referring to the outside, warm soapy water with a soft cloth should be ok
1679694
I just put some water in it and a tiny bit of liquid dish soap and then cover the top with my hand and shake vigorously. Then rinse it out with more water to get the soap out. The liquid soap is probably unnecessary, in all actuality.
1137553
The unit has a non-removable tank. Just flip up the top and pour in your choice of soap. Close the top and your done!
809000
Like any other aquarium. NO SOAP OR BLEACH. I clean mine every weekend. (It doesn't take long.) The opening in the top is pretty small so when the algae gets bad I use a bottle brush that I have reserved just for it.
630722
A minimal amount of soap with water works fine after each use, followed by rinses with hot water. If you go a couple of fills without cleaning it, then I would suggest using straight vinegar. The follow with a few rinses of hot water.
1916970
Any water you plan to add to the aquarium need to sit out for 24 hours. After than, simply take a glass or metal cup and scoup out the dirty water and when you're done add the clean water. To clean it, let water sit out for 24 hours, then scoup out all the fish and put into that water. Dump the dirty water, being very careful not to drop any rocks from the bottom of your tank out. Get a scrubber specifically for tanks from your local pet supply store and scrub the sides. After you've scrubbed everything, rinse with clean water. Slowly add all of the water you let sit out for 24 hours into the tank. Then add the water with the fish in it and you're done.Or, get an algae eater. Any water you plan to add to the aquarium need to sit out for 24 hours. After than, simply take a glass or metal cup and scoup out the dirty water and when you're done add the clean water. To clean it, let water sit out for 24 hours, then scoup out all the fish and put into that water. Dump the dirty water, being very careful not to drop any rocks from the bottom of your tank out. Get a scrubber specifically for tanks from your local pet supply store and scrub the sides. After you've scrubbed everything, rinse with clean water. Slowly add all of the water you let sit out for 24 hours into... » Read More Any water you plan to add to the aquarium need to sit out for 24 hours. After than, simply take a glass or metal cup and scoup out the dirty water and when you're done add the clean water. To clean it, let water sit out for 24 hours, then scoup out all the fish and put into that water. Dump the dirty water, being very careful not to drop any rocks from the bottom of your tank out. Get a scrubber specifically for tanks from your local pet supply store and scrub the sides. After you've scrubbed everything, rinse with clean water. Slowly add all of the water you let sit out for 24 hours into the tank. Then add the water with the fish in it and you're done.Or, get an algae eater. « Show Less
1789409
Of course. You just put hot water into the upper solution tank. The lower tank is where the sucked-up water with all the dirt is collected. However, the soap concentrate that comes with the cleaning unit is really just a cleaning detergent. I would not worry about it. There are many more chemicals in your everyday life that are far more concerning such as food food dyes and preservatives.
949826
It has two compartments. One you put in the clean water and soap one for the (sucked up) dirty water. The compartments both can be removed separately. The clean water tank is smaller than you could hope, but so far it is a minor complaint and we've been happy with how it works.
321661
There is a cleaning fluid that should be used with the machine. Plain water can work but will not be as effective.
726076
Soap and water is fine. I usually wipe mine down with rubbing alcohol as well.
329612
No issues. Just attach a hose turn water on move it around a bit and dump it Takes less than 10 minutes. Put small amount of dawn in tank for cleaning and smell
2270994
Just a mild dish soap and a wash cloth that's all I use and mine comes really clean.
816165
The tank does not require cleaning unless the system is not in use for a long period of time. Usually, flushing the tank once would be enough.
138665
I wash mine with dish detergent. Run it under water to get it wet, then put a few drops of detergent on both sides, agitate the surface with your fingers. Afterwards, run it under the water again to rinse while squeezing the excess suds/soap out. When you're finished let it air dry.
1168603
Follow the directions in the manual and clean out the tank!! Then only use distilled water.