Gravel Vaccuming

[ghostknife597]

how necessary is gravel vacuuming?

 

[Squid]

all part of the cleaning/maintenance routine really for a number of reasons. Poop/waste is unsightly and will provide a source of ammonia. So a little dig around does the trick. With sand of course it sits on the top a bit more, so its more of a wave around above the surface to shake it loose and suck it up..

Squid

 

[ghostknife597]

ok. my power filter has two biowheels, so it should be removing most of the ammonia. i still do a water changes of about 25% every two weeks, but how often should i gravel vac? its just such a hassle.

 

[Squid]

Do you not just do the gravel vac with the tubing whilst siphoning out the water for the water change? Then you are just doing it whilst waiting for the water to come out?

Squid

 

[erk628]

Like squid said you just vac the gravel while doing the water change usually by the time your done youve taking out at least 25% of the water. You need to be doing it everytime you do a water change. I don't see why it would be so much of a hassle. All you do is shove the tube thats on the hose down in the gravel until it hits the bottom of the tank then watch the poo and food come up. Once you don't see anything coming up move to the next spot.

 

[ghostknife597]

Sorry if i was unclear. i understand how to gravel vac and syphon out water at the same time; this is what i've always done during a water change. i was simply wondering if gravel vaccing was actually necessary or not. thanks for all the advice everyone

 

[Squid]

Sorry if i was unclear. i understand how to gravel vac and syphon out water at the same time; this is what i've always done during a water change. i was simply wondering if gravel vaccing was actually necessary or not. thanks for all the advice everyone

Ok.. next time I will just answer YES.

 

[ghostknife597]

hahaha, okay! thank you

 

[Shelby]

I did my first one today and my tank has only had fish for about a week. You would be amazed at how much pooh is in there

It's definitely easier than chiseling it out of my currently frozen kennels!!! lol

 

[Inchworm]

Hi ghostknife597

One of the most important reasons for vacuuming the gravel is to remove any uneaten food that might become lodged between the pieces. This can breed harmful bacteria which can cause disease if left there.

I'm going to move your thread to the Tropical Discussion section.