From vibrant coral to multi-colored fish, a well-maintained saltwater aquarium can be a sight to behold. But as any aquarium owner knows, keeping your reef tank clean takes a significant amount of work, and finding the right tools is half the battle. Here, the knowledgeable staff at Gerber's Tropical Fish in Cincinnati and Dayton, OH, recommend some handy tools that will help you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your colorful investment.

Look for these aquarium tools the next time you stop by their store:

• Algae Magnet: This is one of the most popular cleaning tools for reef tank owners. It consists of two parts—the first is placed inside the tank under the water and the second on the outside of the tank against the glass. As you move the magnet through the water, you will scrape algae off the inside of the fish tank and grime off the exterior glass.
• Long-Handled Tank Scraper: Although algae magnets are excellent for cleaning most of the tank, there will still be some areas you simply can’t reach. For those cracks and crevices, a long-handled scraper works best. For the best results, look for a scraper with replaceable and interchangeable blades. 
• Siphon: This is a must-have for all aquariums. Siphons allow you to suck up debris and waste products with ease. They’re also great for cleaning rocks and gravel.
• Bulb Syringe or Turkey Baster: These tools are used for feeding corals, which help maintain the ecosystem within your tank. Using the syringe or baster for spot-feeding other fish also helps reduce the amount of food waste floating around the tank or settling at the bottom, which can make your aquarium look dirty.
• Refractometer: Refractometers monitor the salinity of your saltwater aquarium. Keeping your reef tank’s salt levels at the optimum level is essential for the health of your fish and coral. The readings will also help you spot potential problems with your auto top-off system, which could have dire consequences for your entire tank system.

Whether you’re an experienced aquarium owner who needs new tools or you’re ready to purchase your first tank, Gerber's Tropical Fish has you covered. Their impressive selection and experienced staff make building and maintaining an aquarium fun and easy. Visit their website to learn more or call (937) 297-0515 to speak with an expert team member.