How to Clean a Fish Tank using Quick n Brite

Cleaning a fish tank is an easy process if you have the right products and you know what to do. If you maintain your fish tank cleaning on a regular basis the process is much easier and is less upsetting to the fishes habitat; but if you need to do a deep clean or are starting fresh with a new fish tank Quick n Brite makes cleaning your fish tank much easier!

New Fish Tanks, Decorations and Plants:

Sometimes when you purchase a new fish tank it needs to be rinsed out with more than just warm water. Use the Quick n Brite light solution (1 tsp to a quart of water) to give the new fish tank a good cleaning. Quick n Brite is non-toxic and biodegradable so it is safe for your new fish!

Large Fish Tanks:

For regular maintenance to your fish tank: 

Start by cleaning the inside of the glass using an algae pad. (Don't use a regular sponge from the store, there can be too many harsh chemicals or detergents in the scrubber). If you come across a stubborn patch you can use a razor blade to scrape off the excess algae. (Be careful!) You can also clean your blade ahead of time with Quick n Brite to remove any grease or residue. If your tank is acrylic make sure and use a plastic blade.

Remove the plants, decorations etc:

After speaking with fish tank experts many professionals recommend a deep cleaning of rocks or decorations on a cycle so you don't remove too much good bacteria from the tank. (Example: Clean half the plants on week one and the other half of your plants on week three). This is where Quick n Brite is especially good to clean the plants and decorations as well as remove harmful bacteria. Soak your plants or decorations in the Quick n Brite light solution (1/8 cup of Quick n Brite to 1 gallon of hot water or 1 teaspoon of Quick n Brite per quart) for 15 minutes. If there is a large build up of algae you can also use your algae pad to help remove build up. After all the algae is removed using Quick n Brite and your algae pad rinse the plants and decorations in warm water.

Siphon the rocks or gravel using a water siphon vacuum:

There are many different types of siphons available on the market to clean rocks and vacuum away debris. We would recommend contacting your local pet store for pros and cons on siphons.

Clean the outside glass: 

After a thorough cleaning of your fish tank, chances are you've dripped some water down the tanks and throughout your house! Use your Quick n Brite light solution (1 teaspoon of Quick n Brite per quart) to clean the outside of the tank, counters and kitchen sink. If you have any trouble with streaking on the outside of the fish tank, just add more water to your Quick n Brite solution!)

Small Fish Tanks: 

Many of the above directions still apply but if you don't have a siphon to vacuum the rocks and they need to be cleaned you can rinse the rocks in the Quick n Brite light solution (1 tsp to a quart of water or 1/8 cup of Quick n Brite to 1 gallon of hot water). Simply soak the rocks in the light solution for 15 minutes then rinse them clean before returning them to the tank.

Product we recommend:

Our 64 oz Quick n Brite Liquid Concentrate is perfect for the job. Quick n Brite is non-toxic and biodegradable so it is safe for your pets and yourself. Since Quick n Brite is an all purpose cleaner it is also great to clean your pet cages or pet stains on carpets! See more Cleaning Tips using Quick n Brite.

How to Remove Candle Wax using Quick ' n Brite

At one time or another haven't we all blown out a candle and spilled wax, knocked over a candle or left a candle burning too long only to find a buildup of wax on our kitchen counter, wood table or granite countertop. Quick n Brite is an excellent way to remove candle wax on any surface in your home. As long as water can touch the surface, Quick n Brite will safely clean it; so you don't have to worry about getting a specialty cleaner to remove candle wax. 

First thing you should do to remove spilled candle wax on any surface is gently remove as much candle wax as possible using a fork, knife or credit card (depending on the surface). If your candle wax is spilled on carpet, or fabrics like a tablecloth a fork works great, if it is a surface that will easily scratch a credit card or something without serrated edges is your best bet.

Hard Surfaces:

If the candle wax is on a hard surface like your counters, tables, buffets or bookcases most of the wax should be removed with the step above but there will probably be a light film of remaining wax residue. To remove this leftover wax use your Quick n Brite paste full strength with a damp non-abrasive sponge and apply it to the spot. If the wax build up does not come off immediately, let the Quick n Brite sit for a few minutes before wiping the surface clean with a terry cloth towel.

Fabrics, Clothing and Machine Washable Materials:


If the wax has spilled on your clothing, tablecloth, cloth napkin or something that can go through the washing machine there is one more step you need to take to remove the wax from fabrics. As mentioned above first remove as much wax as possible using a fork or non-serrated knife. Depending on the color of the wax and how much residue is left, there are two ways you can go to remove the remaining candle wax. If there is still a large amount of wax left or the wax is a dark color on a light colored fabric use the iron transfer method. If most of the wax was removed skip to step 2.

1. Iron Transfer Method: First, lightly mist the stain with the Quick n Brite light solution (1 tsp of Quick n Brite to a quart of water). Now place a brown paper bag above and below the stained area. Iron over the top of the stain keeping the iron moving to make sure you don't burn anything. The heat will cause the wax to melt and the paper will absorb the candle wax. Keep ironing over a clean part of the paper bag until the wax has been absorbed. 
2. For any remaining Candle Wax: Wet the material and apply Quick n Brite paste full strength to the remaining candle wax. Briskly rub the material together until the wax stain is removed. Launder the material as you would normally. 

Carpets and Upholstery (Non-Machine Washable Fabrics)


If you need to remove candle wax from a material that cannot be machine washed like carpets or couches use the iron transfer method. First, remove as much wax as possible using a fork, comb or non-serrated knife. Then apply Quick n Brite paste full strength to the area using your fingers or a damp terry cloth towel and let it sit a few minutes. Scratch the spot lightly towards the center with a fork or comb and repeat the process until the candle wax lifts. 


If there is still remaining wax (most of the time if the wax is dark in color) use the Iron Transfer Method. (You do not have to wait for the spot to dry). Lay a brown paper bag over the remaining wax stain and iron over the top. Keep the iron moving so you don't burn anything. The heat will cause the wax to melt and the paper will absorb the candle wax. Keep ironing over a clean part of the paper bag until the wax has been fully absorbed. If necessary, apply more Quick n Brite paste to the stain and buff back out with a damp terry cloth towel.