plant questions

[Fiddlesticks]

Iv got a couple questions. I am curious about how you vaccum a planted tank. Is it difficult to get in between or around them? My other question is what are some easy beginner plants that can survive in a gravel substrate? It is pretty fine gravel. My temp is around 76 or 24-25 celcius.

Thanks

 

[sinistral]

I avoid vacuuming near plants as I don't want to dislodge them from the substrate. I tend to do less of a water change anyways in my planted tank than my non-planted. I believe plants can utilise the waste (called mulm) from fish that you would be vacuuming up during a water change anyways as a source of nitrogen.

You'd do well, I think, to check out some of the links pinned at the top of this forum. The Proven Performers one is particularly helpful. HTH~