What Eats Fish Waste?

There is nothing attractive about waste floating around in your tank. It is a messy sight, and nobody likes to see that. There are two kinds of waste found in your fish tank, Organic waste and Inorganic waste. What Eats Fish Waste?

Nothing eats fish waste and this is because there is no nutrient left, hence the term ‘waste’. Fishes may nibble on their own poop for a little while, but immediately discard it when they taste it and realize it is waste.

What Eats Fish Waste

Organic waste

Just like every living thing, fish produces waste. When your fish is fed, it absorbs up the necessary nutrients in the food and discards the rest. Fish waste is called, “excrements” and this belongs to the organic category. The more your fish eats, the more it produces fish poop. Uneaten and Leftover food could also be categorized as organic fish waste.

Inorganic waste

This refers to unnatural waste that is found in your fish tank. This waste finds its way into your tank by accident or negligence. Examples of such are plastics and rubber.

Now that we are familiar with what fish waste is what then eats fish waste?

The answer is Nothing.

There’s also a false tale about other occupants of the fish tank as waste eaters. Occupants such as snails; shrimps, etc. That notion is incorrect.

No animal eats another’s waste. Animals may try out just about anything that looks like food but the moment they taste it and realize its waste, they spit it out.

Wondering just how to get rid of fish waste in your tank? Fear not, We’ve got answers!

Remember Organic waste? Getting rid of organic waste is not rocket science. This is because biology does half the job for you. Excrements dissolve easily because of the nitrogen cycle that occurs in your tank.

The nitrogen cycle breaks down fish waste into ammonium and nitrate. And while nitrate is harmless to the fishes, over time it may become toxic, and destroy the ecosystem of your fish tank.

Note:  Residue from excrements may settle at the bottom of your fish tank. If the residue isn’t cleared, Overtime, it’ll cause a build-up of nitrate and ammonia in your tank. Excess ammonia encourages the growth of algae. Algae infect the water; water becomes toxic to your fishes. This will certainly kill your fishes. This is why you must create a maintenance culture for your fish tank.

Maintenance Culture for Your Fish Tank

To ensure your tank is at its best; healthy and safe for your fishes to thrive, you must clean your fish tank once a week.

This will help clear out organic and inorganic waste. It’ll also help with removing mineral deposits and prevent algae growth.

Carefully clear out fish poop and residue from the tank. Also, changing the water once a week is another maintenance culture that promotes fish health.


Maintaining an aquarium is a huge responsibility, but it is achievable. Be devoted to your aquarium, and you’d have great results.