How to do a water change?

[randalp]

What is the correct way to do a water change, in respect to vacumming the substarte? (not sure if vacumming in this right term, but i hope you know what i mean)

The guy at the local LFS told me I should be "vacumming" the entire substrate as I siphon water out.

I have not being doing this, The only spot i "vacumm" is a back corner where I don't get good water flow. I then leave the rest of the substrate alone and just siphon the rest of the water out from the top.

 

[fishfreek]

Depends on your substrate. If you have a sand substrate then you dont vacume it at all. If you have crused coral or something larger in particle size then yes you can and should as it will help reduce the overall nitrate level.

 

[randalp]

I use CaribSea Sp. Grade 1-2mm.

sounds like i should to vacume all the substrate.

 

[malkore]

with sand substrate, you basically vacuum the surface only.

 

[randalp]

Thanks for the help, but I am a little confused.

Is CaribSea Sp. Grade 1-2mm aragonite. considered to be "sand" substrate?