Correct way to siphon freshwater fish tank

[tiggerfish]

I need to change the water in my 20 gallon tank. Normally I have just vacuumed the bottom and other places. Would it be a good idea to stir up the waste on the bottom before siphoning ? Would that make it easier to clean it? Thank you for all responses.

 

[Oldspartan]

Do not know right or wrong but my method is to skim the substrate gently during my normal WC. Once a month each tank gets a thorough cleaning right to the glass bottom. The filters make short work of any debris the vacuum misses. I would not stir the bottom vigorously except when deep cleaning.

Not sure if my system is the correct one but it seems to work well. Note though, we use mostly silk and vinyl with few live plants. That may make a difference.

 

[fishorama]

I have live plants so I don't vacuum very deep near the roots. It depends on how deep the substrate is too. Gravel doesn't get sucked up as easily as sand. I use a straight down & fairly quick lift motion. You just need to practice on how far down you can go without losing substrate. Although you can just rinse it & return to the tank.
t
I'm with Oldspartan, I don't just stir up all the gunk. To me it's easier to vacuum than to clean filters more often.

 

[MaloK]

No, stir as less as possible and let the tool do it's job at each plunge.