How often should I clean the fish tank filter?

Clean filter intake and casing monthly. Rinse biological media in removed tank water every 1-2 months when flow decreases. Replace mechanical filter media monthly and carbon according to manufacturer recommendations. Never clean all filter components at once.

Can I use bleach to clean my fish tank?

No, never. Bleach is toxic to fish and can permanently leach chemicals into your tank's silicone seals. For normal tank maintenance, water and aquarium-safe products only. Use bleach only for complete sterile restart with extreme caution.

Why is my fish tank water still cloudy after cleaning?

Cloudy water usually indicates bacterial blooms or excess dissolved organic waste. If water clears within a few days, it's temporary bacterial bloom. If persistent, test for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Check feeding amounts, fish density, and perform more frequent partial water changes.