Cleaning A Planted Tank

[Louise S]

I have an 85l topical tank and for the last 6-8 months have had a planted substrate. It is looking great and the plants seem to be doing well but I have to replant them every week after I have done the weekly clean and water change. Am I cleaning too vigorously and should I not worry so much and leave a little poo behind? Ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels are fine. 4 scissor tails, 4 platys, 1 pleco, 10 neons. Thanks!

file/localhost/Users/louise/Desktop/IMG_4436.jpg

 

[Spurry]

I too would like advice on cleaning a planted tank, good question Louise, and pick of your tank please

 

[ian]

you don't need to uproot your plants. Substrate doesn't really need cleaning in a planted tank as the poo is good for the plants and they will utilise it. If you do feel the need to hoover the substrate just hoover around the plants. Uprooting can cause more porblems TBH.

 

[KkAaNnEe]

Poo is a great source of fertilisation for your plants, the only real cleaning I do is a sponge on the glass and a 2min vacuum round the plants

A powerhead reduces the need to vacuum by about 80% i would say

 

[Louise S]

Thanks for all the comments.
Guess I will just tone down my housekeeping and see how my levels do.
Having trouble attaching pic of tank but will try again after this...