Planted Tanks Water Change

[shortymet55]

I searched this topic, but didnt find anything. How do I do a water change in a planted tank? I mean I used to dig into the gravel and suck out all the poo, but in my newer tank with plants, I cant do that or all the stems will pop out. Can the plants use the poo as fertilizer? Am I supposed to just stick the vac in the water and suck out just plain water from around the bottom? Or what? Thanks!

 

[fozziebear]

you just wave the gravel vac around the plants and substrate not digging into it at all, and you vac up what gets disturbed, and your plants dont get uprooted.

 

[Beemeeup]

I have had a planted tank for nearly two years and have continually replaced or pruned my plants. When doing a water change i remove my bogwood (no plants on it) and caves and hoover around the plants. Yes some do come away but i examine them and replant. I have tried to plant a few centimeters away from the glass so there is enough room for the vac. i'm still learning until i can have a nice planted tank and can then reduce the vac. work as the plants will use some of the debris as food.

 

[Wolfenrook]

Get enough substrate coverage and all you have to do is waft the plants a bit and 'hoover' from a short distance above them. Any detritus that makes it down to the substrate will just be broken down and provide addional nutrients for the plants in a mature system.

Ade