waterdrop
Enthusiastic "Re-Beginner"
Nice, a school of glowlights should be really nice looking.
I know what you mean about the light, but I don't really think it hurts them to have it suddenly come on even though they may be pale and scared a bit. If you don't mind doing it, it certainly couldn't hurt doing your extra room light thing (make sure there's no chance of fire of course).. you could have the room light "overlap" (turn off before and after the time that the aquarium light does.
MUCH more important, though, is your other question. Yes, gravel cleans are quite important to do with each water change. You do not want debris/nitrate building up in the gravel. I consider it important enough that if I miss one on a weekend, I try really hard to do it the first or second day thereafter, or I would do two smaller changes during the week if in even more of a pinch.
It is my belief that letting gravel cleans get away from you or not establishing this as a good habit is one of the most common ways for beginners to go downhill with a tank and not have a good experience following the setup period. Filter cleans, on the other hand, are a good monthly habit and need not start until a month after getting fish. This is a guideline though, and an ideal schedule may need to shorter or could be allowed to be longer depending on the clogging level you find. Always use vasoline on any filter "o-rings" if you have them, when you clean.
~~waterdrop~~
I know what you mean about the light, but I don't really think it hurts them to have it suddenly come on even though they may be pale and scared a bit. If you don't mind doing it, it certainly couldn't hurt doing your extra room light thing (make sure there's no chance of fire of course).. you could have the room light "overlap" (turn off before and after the time that the aquarium light does.
MUCH more important, though, is your other question. Yes, gravel cleans are quite important to do with each water change. You do not want debris/nitrate building up in the gravel. I consider it important enough that if I miss one on a weekend, I try really hard to do it the first or second day thereafter, or I would do two smaller changes during the week if in even more of a pinch.
It is my belief that letting gravel cleans get away from you or not establishing this as a good habit is one of the most common ways for beginners to go downhill with a tank and not have a good experience following the setup period. Filter cleans, on the other hand, are a good monthly habit and need not start until a month after getting fish. This is a guideline though, and an ideal schedule may need to shorter or could be allowed to be longer depending on the clogging level you find. Always use vasoline on any filter "o-rings" if you have them, when you clean.
~~waterdrop~~
