Basic Aquarium Maintenance Checklist (Daily / Weekly)

DAILY AQUARIUM MAINTENANCE

Observe all aquarium inhabitants. Perform a quick visual check to ensure that there is no disease, injury, and/or abnormal behavior.
Verify temperature and confirm that all support equipment is functioning correctly (filters, heaters, lighting, etc.).
Remove any dead fish, plants, or obvious debris (such as plant leaves attached to intake strainer of filter).

Perform a partial water change, 5 to 10 percent is recommended. Use a gravel washer to extract trapped waste from the gravel. Partial water changes on a regular basis will provide stable water quality and maintain ideal conditions.
Clean fluorescent tube(s) and fixture. This will maintain consistent light levels.
Clean inner and outer glass surfaces. This will eliminate any algae accumulation and ensure full viewing pleasure.
Test water. This is important particularly for reef and planted aquariums.

Perform filter maintenance (preventative maintenance of moving parts, such as the impeller). Replace filter media (ex.: Carbon) as per manufacturer's recommendations and in accordance with test kit results.
Check supplies, food, water conditioners and all other regularly used items.