water changes

[murff68]

Help!!, I have a 4ft 25 gallon tank with 4 fish, the tank is still cycling , I've been changing the water 3 times per week about 30% each water change. Ive been using the syphon on the gravel each time , I have been told when changing the water not to vacuum the gravel bed as this will remove beneficial bacteria. can anyone help me with this please, I have a fluval u4 underwater filter.

 

[HN1]

Vacuuming the gravel is a good thing and will not disrupt the cycling process.

Check this out, it may help some.
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forum...-but-i-already-have-fish-what-now-116287.html

 

[eco23]

I absolutely agree with HN1. Even if you were to lose some tiny portion of bacteria, you'd more than make up for it by removing leftover food and waste which can be a major source of ammonia. I keep my gravel as pristine as possible during a fish-in cycle.

 

[murff68]

Cheers my friends I will carry on as before, thanks for the help.