Alternatives To Gravel Vacuum?

[tigerbarb1]

Hi All,

I just want to say a big thank you to everyone for all the help you have provided so far and also in advance for reading this post.

In my tank setup I have very fine gravel which I have used to create an uneven effect with some parts of the substrate being deeper than others. I also have quite alot of tanks, plants and decor in my aquarium.

Whilst this looks great and provides loads of hiding spots for the fish it is an absolute nightmare to vacuum! Doing so moves decor, sweeps up and ruins the effect of gravel etc.

Whilst I understand the importance of cleaning the surface layer of the substrate from nasties, I was wondering if there are any alternatives to using a gravel vac?

Thank you inadvance for all your help, all advice greatly appreciated.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

You could use just the hose part without the larger piece and swish the water a bit around the substrate, this will bring up some of the detritus, but certainly not all. That is the method used with a sand substrate. It is a bit better with sand, however, since the detritus can't get stuck in it like with gravel.

I'm sure others will have other options as well. THe other option might just be to deal with the upheaval during a gravel vac, and put everything back in place when finished.

 

[dayzofspeed]

to clean the gravel properly you should be removing rocks, ornaments etc anyway

 

[StandbySetting]

Cleaning the gravel isn't always necessary, with good circulation detritus isn't allowed to settle, to adding a circulation or power head to prevent detritus from settling.

 

[tigerbarb1]

Thanks everyone for the prompt responses, I was under the impression that ornaments and caves etc were supposed to be left untouched as much as possible to prevent disturbing and stressing out the fish? Cant for the life of me think where I heard this from however lol

 

[Mikaila31]

If your tank is moderately to densely planted there is no need to gravel vac at all. Most of my tanks haven't seen a gravel vac in over a year. Just preform regular water changes and leave it at that.

 

[jnms]

I also never gravel vac. I have good enough circulation that nothing settles on the bottom of the tank. I also try to ensure there are no deadspots in the tank.

If you get a powerhead you may find you won't have to gravel vac either. Though the higher circulation does tend to disturb the gravel over time and move it into different patterns.

 

[Caprichoso]

If you have most of your substrate covered in plants, you wouldn't have to gravel vac, you would only need to hover over the plants to pick up any debris. This is what I'm personally aiming for.

 

[Mikaila31]

In planted tanks you don't need another powerhead. Waste and mulm build up in the gravel, however this provides nutrients for plants as it breaks down. Disturbing the substrate in any of my planted tanks is the fastest way to make one go from crystal clear to literally black. Gravel vacs are harmful to the plant roots so it is best to avoid using them unless you need to.