🐠 Fluval Flex 2.0 57L Midweek Aquarium Maintenance Routine 🐟

I haven’t been feeling my best this week—I’ve been run-down and tired, which has left me looking rather washed out, and I’ve also had a flare-up of eczema. Despite that, I was determined to record this maintenance video. Visual checks, testing water parameters, and regular cleaning are of the utmost importance when it comes to my fish’s health and well-being. Not feeling well doesn’t mean I can neglect the animals in my care.

Ever wondered what it really takes to keep a Fluval Flex aquarium thriving? This is part one of my weekly routine—let’s dive into Wednesday’s maintenance.

 

In this video, I walk you through my midweek aquarium check and maintenance routine to keep my tank clean, balanced, and my fish healthy. This is a simple but essential routine that helps prevent problems before they start and keeps everything running smoothly between major cleanings.

I’ll be checking water conditions, inspecting equipment, observing fish behaviour, and doing any quick maintenance needed to maintain a stable and thriving aquarium.

If you’re new to fishkeeping or just looking to improve your routine, this midweek inter maintenance routine can make a big difference in the long-term health of your tank.

What’s included:

• Quick water parameter check
• Equipment inspection
• Fish health observation
• Water change and light waste removal

If you enjoy aquarium content, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more fishkeeping tips and routines!

Why you should not add tap water directly to your aquarium in the UK

Four months ago, I began my fishkeeping journey and chose to document it through a video series on my YouTube channel, hoping to support others who are new to the hobby or considering setting up their first aquarium. While I’m grateful for the advice I’ve received along the way, one recommendation keeps coming up—how to make routine water changes quicker and easier.

The most common suggestion is to fill the aquarium directly from the tap. However, to help beginners avoid the distress of losing their fish, I’ve written this article explaining why adding tap water straight into your aquarium in the UK is not a good idea.

Adding tap water straight into an aquarium in the UK can seriously harm or even kill your fish. The issue isn’t the water itself—it’s what’s in it and how it behaves in a tank environment.

Here’s why you should never add untreated tap water directly:

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1. Chlorine and Chloramine (Highly Toxic)

UK tap water is disinfected with chlorine or chloramine to make it safe for humans. Unfortunately, these chemicals are toxic to fish.

• They damage fish gills, making it hard to breathe

• They can kill beneficial bacteria in your filter (which keep the tank healthy)

Even small amounts can cause stress or death.

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2. Heavy Metals

Tap water may contain trace amounts of metals like:

• Copper

• Lead (especially in older pipes)

Fish are far more sensitive to these than humans, and buildup over time can be dangerous.

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3. Temperature Shock

Tap water is often a different temperature from your tank.

• Sudden changes can shock fish, weakening their immune system

• This can lead to illness or death

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4. pH and Water Chemistry Differences

Tap water chemistry varies across the UK (hard vs soft water areas).

• Sudden pH shifts can stress fish

• Sensitive species may not tolerate quick changes

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5. Harms Beneficial Bacteria

Your aquarium relies on good bacteria to break down waste (the nitrogen cycle).

• Chlorine/chloramine can wipe them out

• This can cause toxic ammonia spikes

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What You Should Do Instead

✔️ Use a water conditioner (dechlorinator)
This instantly neutralises chlorine, chloramine, and often heavy metals.

✔️ Match the temperature
Let the water sit or mix hot/cold to match tank temp.

✔️ Add water slowly
Avoid sudden changes in chemistry.

✔️ Test your water if possible
Especially for pH and hardness.

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Simple Rule

👉 Tap water is safe for humans, but not for fish unless treated first.

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Aquarium Air Pumps: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Whether You Should Run Them 24/7

 

An air pump is one of the most common pieces of equipment in aquariums, but whether you need one—and whether it should run continuously—depends on your setup. Understanding both its benefits and drawbacks can help you make the right choice for your fish tank.

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The Benefits of an Air Pump

Air pumps primarily improve oxygen exchange in the aquarium. By pushing air through an air stone or sponge filter, they create bubbles that disturb the water’s surface. This movement allows more oxygen to enter the water and helps carbon dioxide escape.

This is especially useful in:

• Heavily stocked tanks where fish consume more oxygen

• Warm water aquariums, since warmer water holds less oxygen

• Tanks with little surface movement, such as those with gentle filtration

Air pumps are also essential when using certain equipment, such as sponge filters. In that case, the pump isn’t just helpful—it’s required for filtration.

Another advantage is water circulation. Gentle movement prevents “dead spots” where debris and waste can accumulate, helping maintain a cleaner and healthier environment.

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The Downsides of an Air Pump

Despite their usefulness, air pumps aren’t always necessary and can have some drawbacks.

One of the main issues is noise. Many air pumps produce a constant humming or vibration, which can become annoying—especially in quiet rooms or bedrooms.

They can also cause excessive water movement if too powerful. Some fish, like bettas or certain tropical species, prefer calm water and may become stressed in a tank with strong bubbling.

Another consideration is energy use and wear. Running a pump continuously adds to electricity consumption and may shorten the lifespan of the device over time.

Finally, in well-balanced aquariums with efficient filters that already agitate the surface, an air pump may be redundant. In such cases, it adds little real benefit.

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Should You Run an Air Pump 24/7?

The short answer: it depends on your aquarium.

You should run it 24/7 if:

• Your tank relies on a sponge filter

• You have high fish density

• Your aquarium shows signs of low oxygen (fish gasping at the surface)

• There is minimal surface movement

You may not need it all the time if:

• Your filter already creates strong surface agitation

• Your tank is lightly stocked

• Your fish prefer calmer water

Some aquarists choose to run air pumps only at night, when plants stop producing oxygen and instead consume it. This can be a balanced approach for planted tanks.

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Final Thoughts

An air pump can be a valuable tool, but it isn’t automatically essential for every aquarium. In many modern setups, a good filter already provides enough oxygenation. However, in certain conditions—like crowded tanks or low-flow environments—an air pump can make a significant difference.

Rather than running it by default 24/7, it’s best to observe your tank’s needs and adjust accordingly. Your fish’s behaviour and your tank’s setup will tell you whether constant aeration is necessary.

To accompany this video, I've written an article discussing the benefits and drawbacks of using an air pump in an aquarium.

Aquarium Air Pumps: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Whether You Should Run Them 24/7

Is The Nicrew Nano Silent Mini Air Pump Actually Quieter And Better Than A Cheap 1 Watt Usb Air Pump

Is the Nicrew Nano Silent Mini Air Pump actually quieter and better than a cheap 1-watt USB air pump from Amazon? In this video, I unbox it, test it, and compare the two.

 

In this video, I unbox and test the Nicrew Nano Silent Mini Air Pump and compare it with the generic 1-watt USB air pump I’ve been using from Amazon. I look at noise levels, airflow, and overall performance to see whether the Nicrew pump is actually quieter and more effective for a small aquarium setup.

If you’re looking for a compact, quiet air pump for a nano tank, shrimp tank, or small aquarium, this side-by-side comparison should help you decide whether it’s worth upgrading from a basic USB air pump.

What’s covered in this video:

• Unboxing the Nicrew Nano Silent Mini Air Pump

• Comparing it with a generic 1-watt USB air pump

• Noise level 

• Airflow/performance comparison

• My final thoughts

Products mentioned in this video:

• Nicrew Nano Silent Mini Air Pump

• Generic 1-watt USB aquarium air pump

Disclaimer:

This video is not sponsored. I have no affiliation with any of the manufacturers, companies, or products mentioned. All opinions shared are my own. Any products discussed are used at the viewer’s own discretion and risk. Please do your own research before purchasing or using any product featured in this video.