Gravel Vacuuming To Do Or Not To Do?

[Maz 1979]

I have been gravel vacuuming with each water change a portion of the tank, I would say I do 20% each time and move around the tank.
Now I have been told that this releases dangerous amounts of ammonia into the tank and sucks all the good bacteria off the stones and you should only use a vacuum if you have an under gravel filter - which I do not, I have a Tetra Tec EX1200 following the advice given in another thread.

Now I'm worried I'm taking good bacteria off my gravel and letting nasties into the water. I know that the bacteria live in the filter however if any do live on the gravel then I would like their help in the fight against ammonia.

Who is right?

Also would changing to sand be a help?

Thanks in advance for your help,
Maz.

 

[snake007]

Your fine with what your doingl.
Not sure who told you that information but its wrong.
Changing to sand will help as all of the waste will be easier to clean.

 

[steve1]

you should always hoover the gravel, as ALOT of fish pooh and waste food builds up at the bottom of the tank and greats ALOT of ammonia if its not cleaned up

 

[daleboy]

Ive always used the gravel vac on as much of my gravel as is possible when I do water changes and never had a problem.
The excess food and fish waste needs to go somewhere lol.

 

[Gilli]

You can gravel vac the whole tank at every water change without any problems. I do the whole tank at every water change once a week. All the main bacteria live in the filter so your water stats will not suffer at all. Getting as much poo and uneaten food out as you can will only benefit the fish not harm them!