Cleaning A Heavily Planted Tank

[Tonyb111111]

Hi all, I want to increase the planting in 200 litre tank but can not get my head around how I would clean the substrate if most of the available floor space is heavily planted. Can someone give me some pointers on how this is achieved effectively. Thanks

 

[fluttermoth]

You just do your best to go around the plants. You have a sand substrate? so it's not too hard; just sort of 'waft' the poo up with your gravel cleaner.

 

[soybean]

Just gently and not too deeply or vigorously, you'll get the hang of it.

 

[Tonyb111111]

So basically do what i am doing now but with more care precision, am I right. And is there any advantage with using a smaller diameter opening at the end of the gravel vac to get more flow and suction

 

[fluttermoth]

Yes, it does help.

 

[Tonyb111111]

Thanks for helping out guys. Still knew to all this and learning quick

 

[magpie]

I don't disturb the substrate as it has good stuff for the plants in it. I just make little back and forth movements over the surface to get the very top level of junk up. I've often wondered if a smaller diameter tube end would help make it easier to work around driftwood and the like...

 

[James9114]

add a circulator at the right position and your filter will catch it all making it much easier.