Water changes and substrate suctioning.

[Dobber]

If you have a planted tank how do you clean the substrate without disturbing or dislodging the plants? Before I had plants I simply pushed the vacuum tubing to the base of the tank, but that seems like a generally bad idea with plants. Any suggestions is much appreciated. Thanks for your time.


9-11-2001 Always Remember

 

[Delapool]

If you have a planted tank how do you clean the substrate without disturbing or dislodging the plants? Before I had plants I simply pushed the vacuum tubing to the base of the tank, but that seems like a generally bad idea with plants. Any suggestions is much appreciated. Thanks for your time.


9-11-2001 Always Remember

Same problem. I don't want to disturb the plants so I kind of whirlpool the gravel vac over the plants and suck up anything that pops up.

 

[BBradbury]

Tank Vacuuming

If you have a planted tank how do you clean the substrate without disturbing or dislodging the plants? Before I had plants I simply pushed the vacuum tubing to the base of the tank, but that seems like a generally bad idea with plants. Any suggestions is much appreciated. Thanks for your time.


9-11-2001 Always Remember

Hello Dobb...

If you vacuum the bottom material, you'll remove the nutrients the plants need and you could damage the plants. The organic material that falls to the bottom of the tank dissolves in the tank water and the plants use it. What the plants don't use is removed when you perform a water change.

B

 

[Dobber]

Ok so don't suction the substrate then? Just do general water changes?


9-11-2001 Always Remember

 

[Andrew McFadden]

I just hover over the substrate and go in a circle pattern. Don't stick the hose down into the substrate.

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[Mama Karoti]

I just hover over the substrate and go in a circle pattern. Don't stick the hose down into the substrate.

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This.


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[PB_Smith]

also using a finer grade of substrate greatly reduces the amount of detritus that builds up in the substrate bed.

 

[BBradbury]

Vacuuming Gravel

Ok so don't suction the substrate then? Just do general water changes?


9-11-2001 Always Remember

Hello again Dob...

Exactly. Everything in the tank will eventually dissolve in the water. By simply changing it, you'll remove whatever has dissolved in it. The more you remove and replace the better the environment for the fish and plants.

Pretty easy.

B

 

[Dobber]

Thank you very much! I love these forums, so helpful!!


9-11-2001 Always Remember

 

[PB_Smith]

Exactly. Everything in the tank will eventually dissolve in the water.

possibly causing ph swings, yellow water, accumulation of dissolved solids, ammonia spikes, etc. not too mention it will just look nasty over time.

not really the best approach, IMO.
The advise offered previously about hovering the vac over the substrate is the most sound.

 

[Dobber]

Ok ty!


9-11-2001 Always Remember

 

[MonkeyMonk86]

I use a double length chopstick that I made and run it between the plants right b4 the water change. Then I make swirling motion as low and as close as I can get with the siphon.


(Friend of Bill W., One day at a time)