Changing Gravel

[stivhixon]

Is there a time table for when you change out your gravel. I havent changed it in two years and it is getting covered in algae. Is it normal to change your gravel or just clean what you have? just curious on some methods of doing this, should I just go buy gravel and change it out? I never thought of this before but now I am wondering if I should be doing this. I use a battery operated gravel vac, and a regular gravel vac when I change the water. But the algae is pretty bad, I get it on the sides of the tank too, always scraping it off. Dont know if those algae medications work or not, any advice? thanks

 

[Castellop123]

Cheers...

 

[stivhixon]

I leave the lights on from 9 am to 9pm, by nutrients do you mean extra food, I may be over feeding,I do have alot of extra food picked up when I gravel vac, as for plants I only have fake ones in their. Is that too much lighting you think? thanks for the replies. would you recommend, any medications to reduce the algae?

 

[Jozlyn]

I always try not to add too much stuff to my tank. Get some live plants, your lights are probably on too long, that will promote algae growth, but that also depends on how bright they are. Get some Elodea (live plant) as it will help to soak up some of the nutrients in the water and will also inhibit some types of algal growth. Then maybe get a Bristle Nose Catfish if you have room, as you haven't said how big your tank is tho, as they love algae too.

Maybe cut back a bit on how much you're feeding your fish too. What type of fish do you have? Some are messier than others.

How often do you vacuum your gravel?