Waterchange: Vacuum Vs Standard

[NewBea]

I read in some of the replies in other topics that too much gravel vacuuming can be harmful as it reduces good bacteria built up in the gravel.
How much is too much?
If the water is contaminated with ammonia/nitrite then is it better to use the vacuum version or the standard scoop from the top levels?
(by the way for those of you who read my other two topics: good news is that the water quality is now all good and the fish seem a lot happier as well which = 1 happy fish owner

Thanks again for the useful tips)

 

[gilaesther]

I have sand, so it's a different dynamic, but when I did have gravel, I used to do it once a week, and change the water at the same time.

The good bacteria is mostly in your filter, so don't worry about them while vacuuming.

 

[Chad]

I think it depends on the substrate. For my marine tank I have a fine sand and I don't vacuum it. For my planted tank I have a plant substrate that would become damaged if I did and that is highly porous so it does contain a large amount of my bacteria. I say if you have the standard aquarium gravel go for it and get that detritus out of there but for a few alternative substrates it might not be a good idea.

 

[fluttermoth]

Yes, the amount of bacteria in the substrate is minimal (unless you're using an undergravel filter, of course!).

You should always take water from the bottom of the tank when doing water changes, as things like nitrate are 'heavy' and tend to be slightly more concentrated in the lower levels of the tank.

 

[NewBea]

My gravel is on the larger side - 3-10 mm size gravels - and the vacuum definitely picked up a lot of muck both times I used the cleaner so far.
Thanks for the advice I will continue using the vacuum then.

 

[dannybgoode]

Yes, the amount of bacteria in the substrate is minimal (unless you're using an undergravel filter, of course!).

You should always take water from the bottom of the tank when doing water changes, as things like nitrate are 'heavy' and tend to be slightly more concentrated in the lower levels of the tank.

I never knew that - I tend to go from the bottom but not always. Will bear in mind for the future...

Cheers

Danny B

 

[Bugdozer]

If you have a filter that draws in water from the bottom and then pumps it out at the top, then it doesn't matter where you suck the water from if you aren't vacuuming the substrate

 

[Mikey1]

dont worry about the bacteria in the gravel, unless you are using an under gravel filter alone, that is the only time you need to be concerned about it