Facing my first gravel cleaning

[freshy]

Hi,
I apologize for so many posts but I have many questions about keeping the fishies healthy.

This week I got my first fish ever (1 guppy, 3 diamond tetras) and tomorrow I'm planning on doing the first of the weekly water changes. The lady at my LFS told me to stick the syphon in the gravel and remove it a bit to get the icky stuff out, but I've read that in new tanks removing gravel is not so advisable since it could disturb the beneficial bacteria. I just would like to know whats the safest way to do the cleaning.

So, what do you guys say. To remove or not to remove?

 

[fishaholic]

I suggest not removing the gravel. Maybe wait for a month or 2 then you should to clean it a bit.

 

[raindream]

I agree with freshy, leave the gravel, there. I use a small piece of tubing that sucks up the dirt from the top of my gravel. while not moving it at all. I am only a newbie also, but seems to work so far Maybe mmore experienced ppl will have a better answer for you.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi freshy

Siphons are a little tricky to use at first, but you will soon get used to it. The idea is to push the big end down into the gravel and suck the dirt out from it. You will not be taking the gravel out, just pushing it around a little bit.

As for the bacteria, it is clinging to the gravel and is also on the glass, in the filter, and on all the plants and decorations too. Using a siphon will not remove it; it will just take out the dirt which is not the bacteria.

It will take a little practice to get used to using the siphon, so don't get discouraged if it doesn't work perfectly at first. Chances are there is not too much dirt yet, so just practice getting it started and pushing it down into the gravel and slowly lifting it back up. You should see dirt flow into the tube and down to the bucket. Then insert it into the gravel near the place you just cleaned and repeat the process.

The most common problem beginners have is not being able to complete cleaning the bottom before they take out all the water they planned to. If this happens, don't worry. Just remember where you stopped and start there the next time. Since your tank is still lightly stocked this will not be a problem.

Good luck! Please let me know how things go for you.