How vigorously should I clean my gravel?

[susangc]

I've discovered a few planaria in my tank. Even through there's no obvious uneaten food lying about, I'm going to do some extra water changes this week and really give the gravel a good scrub, including taking out some larger (2 - 4cm) stones I've placed in the tank so I can get to everything.

The tank is cycled (no ammonia, no nitrite, nitrate at 20), so I'm a little afraid of overcleaning. Once I've removed the extra stones, how much of the gravel would you recommend I clean at a time to keep from messing up the bacteria? I did probably 20% today with the larger stones still in and got a decent amount of mulm.

Also, should I leave some space just lightly vacuumed around my sword plant?

I almost hate to get rid of them -- Beta chased those suckers down and had a live meal for once! If he'd had a tongue, he would have licked his chops

Susan

 

[handsomeboy]

ooo tricksy

maybe you wanna try taking out the middle part of your gravel, leaving the top and bottom layer undisturbed.

when you finish cleaning the middle part, carefully insert it back in between the top and bottom layers.

as for your plants, they should be fine.


hth
hb

 

[susangc]

Quite funny

Susan

 

[handsomeboy]

i was being serious.

although this is impossible, i think that if someone really tried it, it would have awesome results.

 

[Tropjunky]

you discoved what now?

 

[Opcn]

do it as vigorosly as you wish you will not harm the bacteria in any great way as far as handsome boy goes ... OMG *smacks forehead*

Opcn