some gravel help please

[nmarc3627]

hi, i have a 10 gallon aquarium with medium size gravel. when i syphon water for a water change i usually get underneath the gravel and get the crap that builds up underneath the gravel. do i need to do that or just get the water off the top? thanks!

 

[Teelie]

Get that stuff. It'll eventually rot and decay causing an ammonia spike.

 

[aerofish]

Yeah I agree w/ Teelie. People often use the siphon especially for that purpose sometimes. While the siphon is suctioning water, grab it and stick it in the gravel and twist it around. This suctions the dirt out while preventing the dirty water from spreading to the rest of the aquarium because it will all go into the tube.