Gravel Siphoning

[fish_face]

Hi, I just read a post that said that gravel cleaning may affect bacteria in the tank. I've had some with nitrite levels when I first set up so would gravel siphoning cause them to rise again by removing the 'good' bacteria?

 

[kev]

I know if I didn't vacuum then the bottom of my tank would get pretty mucky

Its unlikely that you are going to remove so much bacteria it would affect the Nitrogen Cycle.

 

[Nidge]

Yes vacuuming does cause loss to bacteria but not enough in my opinion to effect your tank but if you vacuum every day it might cause some damage. Bacteria live everywhere in the tank more so in the gravel and the filter.
If your tank is not long set up then dont vacuum so often.

 

[FishDan]

Any bacteria that might be removed is not going to matter. The bacteria live on each and every surface in the tank, and in the filter. The amount that may be "sucked up" by the gravel vac is minimal, at best. Also, unless you are using an exceptionally powerful vacuum, the only way to remove a significant amount of the bacteria is to remove the gravel. Common gravel vacs and the Python are not nearly powerful enough to remove healthy bacteria from your gravel.

\Dan

 

[Da_Oz]

Once the tank is "old" the bac grows very fast. Even if you removed half of it it would grow back fast. Bout the only way to hurt it to much would be leting it dry or with meds.