How Do I Clean This?

[PrairieSunflower]

Well, I've been wanting to change my substrate to something better and I chose Colombo Flora Base
http/www.aquaessentials.co.uk/colombo-florabase-black-5-litres-p-3914.html
 
Right... so... I didn't think something through... it says not to agitate it as it goes cloudy (which I can say already is like murky)... anyhow... so... what does that mean when it comes to cleaning?  Do I vacuum it like I would normal gravel by getting the vacuum right down to the bottom?  The beads aren't strong like gravel and break easily.... so how does cleaning work?
 
 

 

[techen]

Simple, Do not clean the substrate, With that substrate it will sink through it and be processed into plant food. I never clean my substrate if I buy that stuff.

 

[PrairieSunflower]

Oh!  That's a relief.  I was imagining a nightmare of stuff building up and polluting my water eventually.
 
Another question, does this substrate dissolve with time?  The package said I would need to replace it in about a year.

 

[techen]

I had something like that it was fine, You'd just need to check it every so often.

 

[evan47]

doesnt colombo flora base give off ammonia for a couple of weeks?
it will also lower your ph to 6.5.
if so you would have to hold out a while before adding fish and be careful as to which species you add.

 

[PrairieSunflower]

I will be sure to monitor it then.  I already have a fish in that tank. (a betta)