Can you vacuum your gravel too much?

[RobVG]

Just wondering if it could remove too much of the beneficial bacteria.

 

[Naughts]

No, the beneficial bacteria are quite robust, they won't be decimated by a good vacuuming.

 

[GaryE]

You could make yourself sick to death of maintenance if you over vacuum, but beyond that, it's all good. Bacteria and archaea are tenacious creatures. They grip on in rapids.

 

[Magnum Man]

agree with both replies... only thing might be for reasons of plants, you could over vacuum, but the BB typically lives all over in your tank, even on the glass... it would be nearly impossible to get it out of your substrate, it'll be down into the pores

 

[fishorama]

I might worry only tiny bit in a very new still cycling tank. Otherwise, BB stick to all surfaces, substrate, filter media, tank walls, etc. When you vacuum you remove poo & other debris like leaves, not much BB at all.